Freezing cold take: The Danse Macabre is pretty great.
Also, I think the vast majority of modern people would be ABSOLUTELY STAGGERED by the ever-present nature of death in the pre-modern world.
Also, I think the vast majority of modern people would be ABSOLUTELY STAGGERED by the ever-present nature of death in the pre-modern world.
The Danse Macabre serves multiple purposes, but primarily functions as a memento mori: a reminder that you, too, shall die one day. And death, as depicted in the art, is an equalizer; it comes for the rich and poor, pious and impious, kind and cruel, young and old.
But this wasn't interpreted as morbid! For the majority of people, it was reassuring, because it was the Middle Ages, and they were probably Catholic. This stuff was a reminder to keep on God's good side, so they could be resurrected one day.
In addition, as a reminder that no one escaped death, it also reminded viewers no one escaped God's final judgement. God knew if the imprisoned were truly innocent, or a serf's lord was unjust, or if the Pope was, uh. Appointing hot teen boys as cardinals.
Tsk. :V
Tsk. :V
That "Your wordly power, prestige and false piety won't mean a damn thing when God gets ahold of you!" implication also explains the popularity of depictions of monks, nuns, cardinals and popes in Hell/Purgatory. 
...Although sometimes, that was just the artist being a dick.
Papal Master of Ceremonies Biagio de Cesana thoguht Michelangelo's "The Last Judgement" was nasty with all those nudes, and said so. So, Mike painted him in hell, with ass' ears, and a snake gnawing on his peen.
Papal Master of Ceremonies Biagio de Cesana thoguht Michelangelo's "The Last Judgement" was nasty with all those nudes, and said so. So, Mike painted him in hell, with ass' ears, and a snake gnawing on his peen.
M A T U R E .
