La Danza de la Muerte I

The painting "La Danza de la Muerte" (The Dance of Death) addresses, on the one hand, the inevitability of death and, on the other hand, the fact that the dead continue to participate in our lives. The depiction of skeletons dancing with living people symbolizes that death concerns all people—regardless of age, status, or wealth. In addition to the equality of all people before death, the painting makes clear that death is omnipresent and an integral part of life. The making of music and dancing stand for the joy of existence—in this world and in the hereafter, as occurs in the Mexican tradition on the Day of the Dead. Traditionally, representations of the Dance of Death show persons from different social strata—such as nobles, clergy, or peasants—to make clear that no one escapes death. At the same time, the painting can be understood as a warning to lead life consciously. The Dance of Death reminds us that life is transient and can end at any time. Furthermore, the painting reflects the fears and experiences of our time, in which epidemics, wars, and famines are still omnipresent. Death remains a visible part of everyday life, so long as it is not repressed. Overall, the painting thus stands for transience, equality, humility, and the reminder that life is finite.