Skeleton of a Man with Bow and Arrow

Teodoro Filippo di Liagno, called Napoletano

National Gallery of Art

This print shows a skeleton standing in a dynamic pose, its head turned towards the left. The skeleton holds a bow in its right hand and reaches for an arrow from a quiver on its back with its left hand. Its skull has hollow eye sockets and a slightly open jaw, and on top of its head are loose, flowing lines that may represent remaining strands of hair. The background is plain, with lines at the bottom suggesting the ground or surface. There is a banner or scroll near the upper left corner with inscribed text.