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Friday, April 19, 2024

The Basel Dance of Death 4


Matthäus Merian, The Basel Dance of Death: The Empress (1616) 

"I dance before you, Lady Empress, 
Dance after me, the dance is mine. 
Your courtiers have left you, 
Death has here snuck upon you as well." 

"My proud body had much pleasure, 
I lived as an emperor's wife. 
Now I am forced to this dance. 
All spirit and joy have been taken from me." 



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