Death Print, Printed by Hans Wandereisen, Nuremberg, Germany, 1538. Medieval Woodcut – Memento Mori Illustration, Occult Skeleton Poster, Gothic Macabre Wall Art, Witchcraft & Magic Decor, Esoteric Image #294

This Death Print is a faithful reproduction of a haunting 16th-century woodcut, printed in 1538 by Hans Wandereisen in Nuremberg, Germany. The image shows a skeletal figure of Death standing above the bodies of two fallen men, holding a large scythe in one hand while an hourglass rests nearby, marking the unstoppable passage of time.

The Grim Dance of Mortality

This woodcut belongs to the late-medieval and early Renaissance tradition of memento mori and Dance of Death (Danse Macabre) imagery, which reminded viewers of the universality of death — sparing neither king nor peasant. With its stark black lines and unflinching portrayal of death’s presence, this image remains one of the most striking allegories of mortality and the fleeting nature of human life.

Available as a fine art print on hand-made paper for an authentic antique feel or on canvas for a bold, gallery-quality display. Each piece is delivered unframed, allowing you to choose the perfect frame to match your décor — whether for a dark academia study, gothic interior, or ritual space.

Symbolism and Esoteric Meaning

• The Skeletal Figure – Represents Death personified, the great leveler who unites all people in mortality.

• The Scythe – Symbol of harvest, cutting down life as crops are reaped — a reminder of the natural cycle.

• The Hourglass – Marks the finite span of human existence, emphasizing time’s relentless flow.

• The Fallen Men – Signify humanity’s powerlessness against fate and the inevitability of death.

• The Stark Woodcut Style – Stripped-down, direct imagery meant to shock, instruct, and provoke contemplation.

Historical and Cultural Context

Printed by Hans Wandereisen in 1538, this woodcut is a product of the late-medieval obsession with death, shaped by the plagues, wars, and religious upheavals of the 14th–16th centuries. The Danse Macabre motif became a popular subject in prints, frescoes, and manuscripts, teaching that death comes for everyone — regardless of wealth, status, or piety.

Such prints were often used for private devotion, moral instruction, or contemplation, urging viewers to live virtuously and prepare for the inevitable end. Today, they are powerful artifacts of European cultural history, embodying both existential reflection and macabre fascination.

Why Choose This Print?

• Authentic reproduction of a rare 1538 German woodcut

• Available on hand-made paper for historical authenticity or canvas for dramatic effect

• Unframed, easy to pair with your own frame and style

• A thought-provoking centerpiece for libraries, studies, or meditation spaces

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

Perfect For

• Enthusiasts of medieval and Renaissance art

• Collectors of memento mori and Danse Macabre imagery

• Fans of gothic, dark academia, and macabre aesthetics

• Philosophers, historians, and students of mortality symbolism

• Unique gifts for lovers of esotericism, witchcraft, and spiritual reflection

More Than Just a Print

This Death Print (#294) is more than a historical illustration — it is a meditation on the fragility of life, the certainty of death, and the importance of living with awareness. Its stark lines and haunting imagery make it a timeless reminder that every moment is precious.

👉 Order your Death Print today and add a striking piece of macabre history and profound symbolism to your home — perfect for lovers of memento mori, occult imagery, and gothic art.

Canvas vs. Hand-Made Paper — Print Comparison Guide