Self-Portrait with Death Playing the Fiddle
Arnold Böcklin · 1872
Why it's great
The painter pauses at his easel, as a skeleton with a one-stringed fiddle whispers in his ear. Böcklin painted this as a reminder that life is short and art is precious. The skeleton is slightly funny and slightly spooky. It's an important painting of Symbolism.
🏛️ Part of history
The Black Death (1347–1351) — The painter pauses at his easel, as a skeleton with a one-stringed fiddle whispers in his ear.
Where to see it
📍 Alte NationalgalerieBerlin, Germany
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Arnold Böcklin was born in Basel, Switzerland, and spent long periods in Italy and Germany. He painted dreamy scenes full of myths, strange creatures and mysterious islands. He is best known for 'Isle of the Dead'. He died near Florence in 1901.
