Der Kœnig

(The King)

 

Der Todten-Tantz

Illustrated by an unidentified Renaissance artist

 

 

 

Complete Image

 

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: GS TT6 SGC
Price: US$5.00

Image detail (for reference)

Reproduction on 8x12" sheet

Code: GS TT6 8x12
Price: US$30.00

Reproduction on 10x15" sheet

Code: GS TT6 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 King, this illustration is associated traditionally with the text

shown below.

 

 

Death to the King:

Mr King, your power has an end,

I lead you here by my hand.

To this dance with dry brothers,

There they will give you the death-garland.

 

The King:

I have lived powerfully,

and hovered in high honour.

Now I'm in Death's bond,

caught in his hands.