Rijke man en de Dood 1670 - 1713

Pieter Schenk’s etching, "Rich Man and Death," confronts us with the stark reality of mortality circa 1700. Dominating the scene is a wealthy man absorbed in his riches, oblivious to the skeletal figure of Death who is playing a fiddle. This skeleton embodies the “memento mori” tradition—a potent symbol reminding us of the transience of life. The image evokes earlier depictions of the Grim Reaper, such as those found in medieval danse macabre, where Death leads people of all social statuses in a dance. Observe how Death is not a fearsome figure here, but a musician; think about the Pied Piper of Hamelin—beckoning the rich man towards his inevitable end. Consider the hourglass at Death's feet; another symbol of time slipping away. This image resonates with the Dance of Death theme, echoing through time, constantly reminding us that no one, regardless of wealth, can escape the final dance. It is a cultural trope, an instance of the past persistently returning in the present.