[Death and dying in medieval times]

Area of Science:

• Art History
• Cultural History
• Medical History

Background:

• The study examines the 'dance of death' motif, an artistic phenomenon linked to the medieval plague in Europe.
• It analyzes 2600 original artworks from the Düsseldorf University collection to understand this artistic expression.
• The research investigates the historical and cultural precursors to the 'dance of death', including the plague's outbreak in 1347/48, legends of the three living and three dead, and transitoriness poems.

Observation:

• The 'dance of death' motif depicted various social classes and professions confronting mortality.
• This artistic theme evolved over centuries, showing shifts in societal perspectives on death.
• Early religious symbolism gradually gave way to more secular and extroverted depictions in the Baroque and Enlightenment eras.

Findings:

• The motif's religious undertones diminished over time, particularly from the Baroque period onwards.
• Artistic representations adapted to new societal contexts, incorporating modern professions and events, even from technical fields.
• Medicine and physicians were consistently represented, highlighting their role in confronting death throughout history.

Implications:

• The 'dance of death' offers a visual chronicle of humanity's evolving relationship with mortality and the concept of memento mori.
• Understanding this motif provides insights into historical societal anxieties, beliefs, and the cultural impact of pandemics.
• The enduring presence of death in art underscores its persistent relevance in human experience and philosophical inquiry.