Der Rathsherr

(The Councilor)

 

Der Todten-Tantz

Illustrated by an unidentified Renaissance artist

 

 

 

Complete Image

 

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: GS TT16 SGC
Price: US$5.00

Image detail (for reference)

Reproduction on 8x12" sheet

Code: GS TT16 8x12
Price: US$30.00

Reproduction on 10x15" sheet

Code: GS TT16 10x15
Price: US$50.00

 

 

 

This image carries no discernable monogram to support attribution to a particular artist, but in the context of the

appearance in a consolidated work related to Basle's "Dance of Death" and the style of the woodblock from which

the print derives, it is possible that the design is by Scharffenberg. At the very least, it is reasonable to attribute it to

a German artist productive during the mid-16th Century.

 

Depicting the exchange between Death and the Councilor, this illustration is associated traditionally with the text

shown below.

 

 

Death to the Councilor:

Have you been a master of the city,

Who has been used in the council?

And have you ruled well? Then it is good for you.

I also take the hat off you.

 

The Councilor:

I have made an effort, day and night,

That the common good was considered.

I sought benefit and honour for rich and poor,

What I thought was good, I would do it more.