Money
The theme of death was common for the European art and literature of the sixteenth century due to epidemics and wars that occurred from time to time. Death itself was both frightening and exciting, as it was considered as an inevitable ending. Therefore, people of art and literature found inspiration in reminding others that their existence is not everlasting. The culture of Europe, and Germany in particular, death was perceived as a powerful force of making people think about their actions and thoughts.
Hans Holbein the Younger shows Death as a creature with bones and flesh that comes to people of different income and strata of life. It has its body language and can even dance. By mirroring a man and dancing, Death is like mocking at him showing its power and mightiness. Actually, Death can also be considered as the man’s own shadow. The entire scene takes place in the man’s most sacred chamber where he keeps his treasure. It reminds people what value money really has. He cannot protect all his money bags and coins as well as he cannot give them to Death in exchange for his life. This money never brought him happiness, though he became inseparable from them. The man created a prison for himself with no chance of getting free. Money that he considered to be his power, now became his vulnerability.
In my opinion, the message of Hans Holbein is clear: do not see salvation in money. At the end, you will not be able to take all your treasures with you, so it is better to care about your soul and spirit. Otherwise, a person risks losing something more valuable than money even before the life ends.
