3-092-287 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Folly of the Day, 1797. 'The Folly of the Day' shows a young, fashionably dressed couple gazing fervently at each other as they execute a perfect and elegant dance. They seem oblivious to the violinist sitting to one side and playing for them. In the shadow of this elated youthful happiness, his presence seems all the more threatening. Having been supplied with sufficient wine, he is looking intently at the dancing lovers. His careworn facial features and the noticeably haggard figure under his clothes clearly indicate that he is the personification of Death.