Monk

Wenceslaus Hollar after Hans Holbein the Younger after Abraham van Diepenbeeck

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a scene with allegorical elements involving death and time. In the center, a skeletal figure grasps the arm of a robed figure. The background features swirling clouds and classical architectural elements. On either side, two standing figures are shown, one holding an hourglass and scythe and the other holding a circle or wreath. At the bottom, a skeleton lies with a shovel. The composition is framed by ornate architectural motifs with Latin text below.