Dance of Death

Throughout history, people have often turned to dance to forget the terrors that were looming.

For example, the disco culture of the 1980s would not have existed without the nuclear threat looming over us as a result of the Cold War. We dance to escape from suffering, or perhaps because we are suffering.

Dancing skeletons like those depicted in this print are known as the "Dance of Death," a recurring theme in European art since the 14th century.

It is said that the background to their appearance was the turmoil that occurred in Europe, such as the church schism, the Hundred Years' War, and the plague. These paintings, which appeared in response to the famous aphorism "memento mori," depict the futility of life in a comically painful way.

In the painting, nobles, citizens, kings and clergy alike are depicted as skeletons, led to death, dancing and marching to their graves.

This thought-provoking illustration expresses people's confusion and fear at the reality they are faced with, while also adding a touch of nonchalant humour.

"Dance of Death" teaches us how resilient culture is. No matter what crises change the landscape of life, human activities never cease until the very end. Culture has the power to digest fear and make people accept it.