Angel of Death Taking the Soul Print, Conrad Reiter, Mortilogus, 1508 – Medieval Woodcut, Occult Illustration, Memento Mori Poster, Gothic Rustic Home Decor #297

This Angel of Death Taking the Soul Print is a reproduction of a haunting woodcut from Mortilogus (1508) by Conrad Reiter. The image shows a dying man lying in bed as the Angel of Death leans over him, drawing out his soul. A woman kneels beside the bed, lifting a curtain pole, witnessing this solemn moment as death claims its due.

The Moment Between Life and Eternity

This evocative illustration captures the late-medieval fascination with the ars moriendi — the art of dying well. The figure of Death is not monstrous but almost tender, a reminder that death was viewed not only as an ending but as a passage to judgment. The scene invites contemplation on mortality, the fate of the soul, and the universal journey every human must take.

Available as a fine art print on hand-made paper for a true antiquarian look or on canvas for a dramatic gallery presence. Each piece is delivered unframed, ready for you to pair with your own frame to match a study, library, or meditation space.

Symbolism and Esoteric Meaning

• The Angel of Death – Personification of mortality, guiding the soul from the body to the afterlife.

• The Dying Man – Represents the moment of transition, the final breath before eternity.

• The Woman with the Curtain – A witness to death, symbolizing family, community, and the living left behind.

• The Soul Leaving the Body – A medieval allegory of spiritual liberation and divine judgment.

• The Bed and Domestic Scene – A reminder that death visits every household, transcending wealth, power, or status.

Historical and Cultural Context

Conrad Reiter’s Mortilogus (1508) was one of the many treatises inspired by the ars moriendi tradition, created to teach Christians how to prepare for a “good death.” This woodcut exemplifies the transition from Gothic art to the Renaissance, with its detailed linework and intimate domestic setting.

Death imagery like this was not meant to frighten but to inspire reflection, encouraging viewers to consider their moral and spiritual state. Today, this print stands as a fascinating historical artifact, offering insight into how our ancestors viewed mortality and the afterlife.

Why Choose This Print?

• Authentic reproduction of a rare 1508 woodcut from Mortilogus

• Available on hand-made paper for an antique aesthetic or canvas for bold display

• Unframed – easy to match with your preferred framing style

• A timeless meditation on death, the soul, and the passage into eternity

• Perfect for collectors of medieval prints, memento mori art, and occult imagery

Perfect For

• Lovers of medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance art

• Collectors of memento mori and Danse Macabre illustrations

• Historians, philosophers, and theologians studying medieval death culture

• Fans of dark academia, occult art, and mystical symbolism

• A unique, thought-provoking gift for those who appreciate esoteric history

More Than Just a Woodcut

This Angel of Death Taking the Soul Print (#297) is more than a medieval illustration — it is a meditation on the great mystery of life and death. Its solemn yet peaceful imagery invites viewers to reflect on mortality and the soul’s journey, making it a powerful and meaningful addition to any space.

👉 Order your Angel of Death Print today and bring a piece of late-medieval spiritual art into your home — perfect for lovers of memento mori, Gothic imagery, and timeless reflections on the human condition.

Canvas vs. Hand-Made Paper — Print Comparison Guide