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The Monk

Holbein the Younger, Hans, 1903, Wood cut
The Monk
The Monk
The Monk
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Category
Library Item
Item no
28455
Title
The Monk
Description
Death is depicted here as a skeletal figure; he drags the monk to his demise. The monk, recognisable by his distinctive tonsure hairstyle and robes, protests his fate. He greedily guards and grasps his alms-box and bag, both of which are filled with lay donations. This is a satirical comment from the artist, Hans Holbein the Younger, who lived and worked during the Reformation when anti-clerical sentiments were very prevalent and well-received. In this period monks were often accused of being greedy and living lavishly and in direct contradiction with their vows of poverty; Holbein clearly refers to this here. Death's hourglass is visible at the bottom left of the image.
Artist / maker
Date
1903
Size
7.0 x 5.3 cm
Type
Location
Art and Design Library