The Duke c. 16th century

Curator: This woodcut, titled "The Duke" by Hans Holbein the Younger, certainly has a stark, unsettling feel. Editor: Indeed. I'm immediately struck by how Holbein uses the very direct, almost crude, lines to create a sense of urgency and decay. You see Death leading the Duke away, right? Curator: Yes, it's a powerful memento mori. Consider the context: these prints were widely circulated, easily accessible, and served as potent reminders of mortality across social strata. Editor: The texture of the lines gives Death a really horrible presence, and the Duke's finery seems so pointless against it. And look at the hourglass tower in the back—such a loaded symbol of time running out. Curator: Holbein's mastery lies in his ability to make complex social commentaries accessible through craft. It’s not just about death; it’s about the vanity of worldly power in the face of it. Editor: Absolutely. Seeing it this way makes the piece much more resonant for me. Curator: For me too. It is a complex piece.