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THE DANCE OF DEATH.

35

PLATE I.—THE FRONTISPIECE.

It has been supposed by Papilloir, withoutthe least authority, or even probability, that thetwo figures represent the persons for whom Hol-bein painted this work. It has been alreadyshewn that Holbein did not design this plate. Itis altogether emblematical, and appears to be anheraldical representation of mortality, viz. a tat-tered shield, surmounted with a death's head; thecrest, an hour-glass between two arms of a skele-ton, holding part of a skull. The two figuresare probably intended for supporters, and repre-sent the dress of the Swiss Nobility of the six-teenth century. The " MORTALIVM NO-BILITAS" was added by Hollar, and is a veryconcise and admirable explanation of the subject,

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