Unknown Artist – Het sterfbed van de rijke man. Op de achterzijde de beelden van de heiligen Andreas en Michaël op een terras, in grisaille, 1550 - 1574 Rijksmuseum: part 1

The composition presents a scene unfolding within what appears to be a grand, albeit decaying, architectural setting. A wealthy man lies in repose upon a lavishly draped bed, dominating the central space. His posture suggests illness or impending death; his face is pale and seemingly vacant, while his body is supported by attendants clad in somber robes. The arrangement of figures around him creates a sense of both solemnity and anxious observation.
The artist has employed a dramatic use of light and shadow to heighten the emotional impact. A stark contrast exists between the brightly lit foreground, where the immediate witnesses gather, and the darker recesses of the background architecture. This technique draws attention to the central figure and emphasizes the gravity of the situation. The architectural elements – arches, columns, and what seems to be a terrace visible through an opening – suggest wealth and status, yet their dilapidated condition hints at transience and decay.
A significant element is the presence of a dark shape suspended above the bed – likely intended as a bat. Its placement directly over the dying man introduces a symbolic layer, potentially representing misfortune, death, or even demonic influence. The bat’s silhouette is sharply defined against the red drapery, making it impossible to ignore and contributing to an atmosphere of foreboding.
The figures surrounding the bed display a range of reactions. Some appear to be reading from a book, presumably scripture, suggesting attempts at spiritual solace or moral judgment. Others gaze upon the dying man with expressions that are difficult to decipher – a mixture of concern, curiosity, and perhaps even apprehension. The inclusion of women in elaborate attire further underscores the social context of the scene, highlighting the importance of family and societal standing within this narrative.
The overall effect is one of profound moral commentary. Here we see a depiction not merely of death, but of the potential emptiness of worldly possessions and status when confronted with mortality. The juxtaposition of opulence and decay, combined with the symbolic presence of the bat, suggests a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures and the inevitability of divine judgment. The scene evokes themes of repentance, salvation, and the consequences of a life lived in pursuit of material wealth.