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[–]hennaojisan 3 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 2 fun -  (2 children)

Who is the artist and what is your explanation?

[–]Tiwaking 2 insightful - 3 fun2 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 3 fun -  (1 child)

The artist is Matthew (Matthäus) Merian (1593-1650) and this is one of the copper plate printings of the work, known as the "Dance of Death in Basel" commemorating the Plague in Basel in 1439.

There are a number of plates representing death and other characters. The one depicted in this post known as "The Abbess" which contains the following dialogue:

Death to The Abbess

Gracious Mrs. Abbess, pure [lady],

how come you have such a little belly?

Still, I will not hold that against you,

I would sooner bite myself in the finger.

The Abbess.

I have read from the Psalter,

in the choir before the Lord's altar.

Now no praying will avail me,

I too must here step after Death.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthäus_Merian

http://www.dodedans.com/Ebasel-merian.htm

http://www.dodedans.com/Ebasel22.htm

p.s. Diplomat is gone and I dont think he is ever coming back

[–]hennaojisan 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I'm traveling now and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with some friends so I cannot be responsible for anything I say. I will look over that. Thnx