Lovers Surprised by Death
Medium
Chiaroscuro woodcut in three blocks; third state of three
Dimensions
Sheet: 9 1/8 × 6 3/16 in. (23.2 × 15.7 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Felix M. Warburg and his family, 1941
Accession Number
41.1.72
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the early 16th-century German Renaissance, *Lovers Surprised by* captures a dramatic memento mori scene, where skeletal Death interrupts an embracing couple—a poignant reminder of life's fragility. Created by painter Hans Burgkmair Elder and master woodcutter Jost deker, this chiaroscuro woodcut exemplifies innovative collaboration. Printed from three blocks in the third (final) state, itfully simulates the tonal contrasts of painting through layered colors: typically black, reddish-brown, and a light tone for highlights, bringing depth and drama to the human figures. This technique was re...
About the Artist
Hans Burgkmair|Jost de Negker · 1473–1531
Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) was a German painter and printmaker who became one of the leading artists of the Renaissance in Augsburg. Born into a family of painters — his father, Thoman Burgkmair, was a respected artist — he likely received his initial training in his father's workshop. He may also have studied with Martin Schongauer in Colmar, and a probable visit to Italy around 1507 ex...