Death of the Rich Man (La Mort du mauvais riche)

Art Historical Context

In the Prints and Drawings department of the Metropolitan of Art, *Death of the Rich Man ( Mort du mauvais riche)* as a striking 17th-century etching by French artists Abraham Bosse and Jean Leblond. Measuring 10 1/8 x 12 11/16 inches, this collaborative work exemplifies the era's mastery of printmaking. Bosse, renowned for intricate reproductive prints and depictions of everyday life, paired with Leblond's expertise, created detailed images that could be widely disseminated, making art accessible beyond elite patrons. The title draws from the biblical parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16), a moral tale warning against worldly excess. Here, tags like "Men," "Women," and "Death" suggest a dramatic scene of the wealthy man's demise, surrounded by figures in anguish—likely servants, family, or demons—highlighting themes of judgment and the afterlife. Such prints were popular in Baroque France, serving as visual sermons in Catholic households and churches, reinforcing Counter-Reformation ideals of piety over materialism. Etching's acid-bitten lines allowed for rich tonal contrasts and expressive detail, capturing emotional turmoil with vivid realism. Donated through The Elisha Whittelsey Collection in 1951, this piece offers a window into how 17th-century artists used affordable prints to provoke reflection on mortality and divine justice, blending artistry with profound cultural messaging.

About the Artist

Abraham Bosse|Jean I Leblond · 1602–1676

Abraham Bosse (1604–1676) was a French printmaker and theorist whose approximately 1,600 etchings provide an unparalleled visual record of 17th-century French life. Born to Huguenot parents in Tours, he trained in Paris under Melchior Tavernier and became a devoted follower of Jacques Callot's technical innovations. Bosse's meticulous etchings depicted subjects ranging from daily life and fashion ...