Dance of Death
Overview
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May 30–November 30, 2025
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European Art Galleries, Level 2, Gallery S202
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Free for Members
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Included with admission
During the 19th century, advancements in industry, science, and technology changed how people thought about and dealt with death. In response, some European artists reimagined a motif known as the dance of death, which historically featured skeletons gleefully clinging to people from all walks of life. This exhibition highlights two portfolios from the Museum’s collection by Albert Besnard (French, 1849–1936) and Max Klinger (German, 1857–1920). Both artists represented death disrupting everyday moments, emphasizing how sudden and unpredictable it could be. The 20 prints convey public anxiety related to previously unknown or more industrial causes of death. By looking to and updating traditions, Besnard and Klinger found a way to cope with the complex world around them.
Selected artworks
Max Klinger (German, 1857–1920), Death as Savior, from the portfolio On Death I, Part I, Opus XI, 1885–89, published 1897.
Etching and aquatint, printed chine collé. Image: 7 7/8 × 11 3/4 in. (20 × 29.85 cm); plate: 9 5/8 × 12 3/8 in. (24.45 × 31.43 cm); sheet: 24 1/2 × 17 3/4 in. (62.23 × 45.09 cm); chine collé: 9 1/4 × 12 in. (23.5 × 30.48 cm). Purchase, René von Schleinitz Memorial Fund M1994.367.10
Albert Besnard (French, 1849–1936), Indifferent, from the series Elle, 1900.
Etching. Plate: 5 3/8 × 4 1/4 in. (13.65 × 10.8 cm); sheet: 12 × 8 5/8 in. (30.48 × 21.91 cm). Purchase, Schuchardt Fund M2017.16.26
Max Klinger (German, 1857–1920), Farmer, from the portfolio On Death I, Part I, Opus XI, 1885–89, published 1897.
Etching and aquatint, printed chine collé. Image: 5 3/4 × 10 1/2 in. (14.61 × 26.67 cm); plate: 7 3/8 × 11 3/4 in. (18.73 × 29.85 cm); chine collé: 7 1/8 × 11 3/8 in. (18.1 × 28.89 cm); sheet: 24 1/2 × 17 3/4 in. (62.23 × 45.09 cm). Purchase, René von Schleinitz Memorial Fund M1994.367.7
Albert Besnard (French, 1849–1936), Demanding, from the series Elle, 1900.
Etching. Plate: 5 3/4 × 4 3/4 in. (13.34 × 10.8 cm); sheet: 14 3/8 × 10 7/8 in. (36.51 × 27.62 cm). Purchase, Schuchardt Fund M2017.16.1
Albert Besnard (French, 1849–1936), Warning, from the series Elle, 1900.
Etching and drypoint. Plate: 5 1/4 × 4 3/16 in. (13.34 × 10.64 cm); sheet: 15 1/2 × 10 9/16 in. (39.37 × 26.83 cm). Purchase, Schuchardt Fund M2017.16.24. Photo by John R. Glembin
Max Klinger (German, 1857–1920), Sea, from the portfolio On Death I, Part I, Opus XI, 1885–89, published 1897.
Etching and aquatint, printed chine collé. Image: 7 7/8 × 7 3/8 in. (20 × 18.73 cm); plate: 10 5/8 × 8 3/4 in. (26.99 × 22.23 cm); chine collé: 10 1/8 × 8 1/2 in. (25.72 × 21.59 cm); sheet: 24 1/2 × 17 3/4 in. (62.23 × 45.09 cm). Purchase, René von Schleinitz Memorial Fund M1994.367.3
Albert Besnard (French, 1849–1936), The Duel, from the series Elle, 1900.
Etching. Plate: 5 1/4 × 4 3/16 in. (13.34 × 10.64 cm); sheet: 15 7/16 × 10 5/8 in. (39.21 × 26.99 cm). Purchase, Schuchardt Fund M2017.16.19
Max Klinger (German, 1857–1920), On the Tracks, from the portfolio On Death I, Part I, Opus XI, 1885–89, published 1897.
Etching and aquatint, printed chine collé. Image: 8 1/2 × 5 3/4 in. (21.59 × 14.61 cm); plate: 10 3/8 × 7 3/8 in. (26.35 × 18.73 cm); sheet: 24 1/2 × 17 3/4 in. (62.23 × 45.09 cm). Purchase, René von Schleinitz Memorial Fund M1994.367.8
