Allaert Claesz, (Aertgen van Leyden?), Soldier Overcome by Death, Flemish, 1520s-50s,
after Jacob Binck, engraving on paper, signed with monogram “AC” on a tablet at upper right corner, some
staining, reduced at the margins, mostly left side and bottom. [price on request]
Bibliographic reference:
Hollstein, 162;
Bartsch IX,135-39
Douce, 1833, 190
This print belongs to the series of Dance of Death by Allaert Claesz, influenced by Holbein. However,
Francis Douce [1833], separates this print from the other prints of this series created by Claesz. He lists seven Dance of
Death prints which have “156Z” engraved in the monogram (160-61, 1833). Douce interprets this as the date of creation
“1562.” The undated Soldier Overcome by Death is described by Douce separately on page 190
[“terrific print”]. The contemporary experts question the interpretation of the “156Z” in the
monogram as the year of creation. According to the new research, Allaert Claesz was active 1520-1550s.
Several Dance of Death engravings by Claesz can be found
in different museum collections. Soldier Overcome by Death appears
to be the rarest artwork in this series. We could located only two other copies. One of them is located in the British Museum,
London [registration number: 1850,0612.399]. Another copy is owned by the Harvard Art Museum. The British Museum suggests
the date of creation 1520-1550. Harvard Art Museum does not provide estimated date of creation but notes that Allaert
Claesz was active 1520-1555.
