“Dance of death”, 15th Century

All humans are equal to the eyes of Death, even the Pope or the Emperor have to dance with her.

The oldest traces of these kind of books are found in Germany, but there is also a Spanish text for a similar dramatic performance dating back to the year 1360, "La Danza General de la Muerte". In Italy was known as "Trionfo della Morte" (treated by Dante and Petrarch).
This post has relation with the “Art of dying” or “Ars moriendi” post I published last December, 2011 (link here). In this case, the purpose is similar and explained in two different components: Teach the truth that all men must die and prepare for judgement.

The iconography of “Dance of death” is different to the “Art of dying”, and introduces the concept that all humans are equal to the eyes of Death in a different way, more related to life moments like a party with dancers (in the “Art of dying”, the person who’s going to die is always represented at bed). To emphasize the idea that all humans are equal to the eyes of Death, the first figure or character in the dance is a Bishop or even the Pope, Emperor or the King. The Death –represented as a group of skeletons or rotten corpses- hold his hands during the dancing, playing musical instruments and creating a “happy” procession, leaded by a preacher who explains its meaning.

There’s a good Wikipedia article about the “Dance of death” and its influences on painting, architecture, etc. (link here). I would like only to remark one of my favorites: “The triumph of Death” by Pieter Brueghel the Elder -this painting is located in the Museo del Prado, Madrid-.

Pilgrims or Pleasants will also dance with Death. The codex starts with Pope and Emperor and finishes with lowest class according to social medieval classification

14th Century had a very high infant mortality rate. In this representation Death also invites a child to dance...

Ars moriendi ("The Art of Dying"), 15th Century

Demons tempt the dying man with crowns (a medieval allegory to earthly pride) under the disapproving gaze of Mary, Christ and God.

Believe it or not, this codex provides protocols and procedures for a good death, explaining how to die well according to Christian precepts of the late Middle Ages. Hard to believe, but has an explanation: this amazing codex was written under influence and historical context of the effects of the Black Death which was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history caused by the bacteria “Yersinia Pestis”. Consequence: around 40% of total Europe population died in less than 2 years, between 1348 and 1350. Author of this book is unknown, theories point to a Dominican friar in Germany.

The book has the following chapters: 1) First chapter explains that dying has a good side, and serves to console the dying man that death is not something to be afraid of. 2) Second chapter outlines the five temptations that beset a dying man, and how to avoid them (lack of faith, despair, impatience, spiritual pride and avarice). 3) Third chapter lists the seven questions to ask a dying man. 4) Fourth chapter expresses the need to imitate Christ's life. 5) Fifth chapter addresses the friends and family, outlining the general rules of behavior at the deathbed. 6) Sixth chapter includes appropriate prayers to be said for a dying man.

Appropriate prayers to be said for a dying man (6th Chapter)

Representation of avarice temptation