Sarony; Major and KnappCopy after Rembrandt PealeSarony; active 1856-1867.The Court of Death; n. d.The work is based on a poem by an Anglican bishop describing how mortal man is called by death. To the far left of the central figure of Death are War and his agents; who trample over the bodies of his victims; a widow and an orphan. To Death's right is a mass of humanity representing sins from intemperance to suicide; all of which are associated with those who have died from leading decadent lives. Below the feet of Death is the body of a man cut down in the prime of life; which demonstrates the power Death holds over everyone. Approaching the central figure is Old Age; who is supported by Faith and; after leading a long; productive; and pious life; welcomes Death with outstretched arms.Graphic art; color lithograph.Inv. Nr. 1966.26.2Washington; Smithsonian American Art Museum.