A 15th-century German sculpture of death
The late Gothic period in art spans from the late 14th century to the early 15th century. Artists began to incorporate elements of Renaissance Classicism but still used Gothic themes. The “Todlein,” as this sculpture is called, is an example of this period and is believed to have been the work of Hans Leinberger.
The wooden carving is made out of pear wood, and it is believed to have been made for Emperor Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, in 1514. The motif of death with an arrow and bow was based on a description in the verses of the 7th Psalm of David.