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Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N. Art Museum Dr. , Milwaukee, WI 53202

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During the 19th century, advancements in industry, science, and technology changed how people thought about and dealt with death. In response, some European artists reimagined a motif known as the dance of death, which historically featured skeletons gleefully clinging to people from all walks of life. This exhibition highlights two portfolios from the Museum’s collection by Albert Besnard (French, 1849–1936) and Max Klinger (German, 1857–1920). Both artists represented death disrupting everyday moments, emphasizing how sudden and unpredictable it could be. The 20 prints convey public anxiety related to previously unknown or more industrial causes of death. By looking to and updating traditions, Besnard and Klinger found a way to cope with the complex world around them.