Alfred Rethel
German, 1816-1859
Death as a Strangler, 1851
Woodcut
The Miscellaneous Works of Art Purchase Fund, 1957 P.12,578

Bad to the Bone: Prints from the Grip of Death

Wednesday, December 22, 2010—Sunday, June 5, 2011
Gallery 344
Free Exhibition

Death has been a subject of fascination to artists since the Middle Ages. This exhibition, a complement to "The Mourners: Tomb Sculptures from the Court of Burgundy" (January 23?April 17, 2011), features the flip-side of the human act of mourning as seen by artists ranging from Renaissance master Hans Holbein to Mexican surrealist Rufino Tomayo. Some artists take delight in the dark humor of the netherworld, some shock us with its fearsome aggression, and others find poignancy in its comfort. Some remind us that Death is an unexpected visitor for whom we must prepare; while, others see Death approaching quickly, attracted by our actions. As Death beckons you, great artists urge you to accept his invitation?in your imagination for the present?for eventually Death is sure to find you.