The Blind Man

Category

Library Item

Item no

28461

Title

The Blind Man

Description

The blind man walks into Death's trap. Death cuts the guide dog's lead, and grabs the blind man's cane, without which it is clear that the man will step into his own grave. The verses printed with this image suggest that actually Death may have offered some relief to the blind man, who seems relieved that his difficult life is over. 'God be praised,' he says, 'that the hour is here', for poor, blind men have a hard time finding food; Death is almost sympathetic, noting the man's dejected state and 'miserable patched coat.' Thus, this image is intended as peculiar kind of comfort, and a reminder that the hardships of life are only temporary.

Artist / maker

Merian, Matthäus

Date

1696

Size

11.7 x 10.0 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Art and Design Library

This image is taken from a 1696 edition of Matthäus Merian's Dance of Death engravings; the book is part of Central Library's Dance of Death Collection. Merian's prints were first published in 1649, and were reprinted a number of times by various publishers. Merian completed the designs for the engravings as early as 1616; these were based on a newly-restored Dance of Death mural painted in Basel.

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Related images

Related subjects

Animals > Mammals > Dogs

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Staffs

People > Body parts > Skeletons

Religion > Religious facilities > Graves

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