Death Surprising a Woman
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Death Surprising a Woman” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
A sturdy woman, who looks as if she just arose from a Michelangelo tomb, inspects herself in the mirror. But, this moment of vanity will not last. A wheel and a wing indicate the fleeting and unpredictable fortunes of life, and the certainty of Death's arrival is underscored by the Latin inscription, meaning Made human, they shall perish. Is the M monogram a nod to Michelangelo or the signature of an unidentified engraver? The answer seems to have followed the artist to the grave.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- P.68.220
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
