Die Kęyserin

(The Empress)

 

Der Todten-Tantz

Illustrated by an unidentified Renaissance artist

 

 

 

Complete Image

 

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: GS TT5 SGC
Price: US$5.00

Image detail (for reference)

Reproduction on 8x12" sheet

Code: GS TT5 8x12
Price: US$30.00

Reproduction on 10x15" sheet

Code: GS TT5 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 Empress, this illustration is associated traditionally with the text

shown below.

 

 

Death to the Empress:

I dance before you, Mrs Empress,

Dance after, the dance is mine.

Your courtiers have left you,

Death has here sneaked upon you too.

 

The Empress:

My proud body had much pleasure,

I lived as an Emperor's wife.

Now I must come to this dance;

All spirits and joy have been taken from me.