Up Late | Decoding the art of death with Dr Hilda Maclean

Join local heritage specialist Dr Hilda Maclean (PhD) and learn about Decoding the art of death.

Decoding the art of death is an illustrated talk which explores how throughout history people have used art to make sense of the one thing we all face: our mortality. This presentation looks at the beautiful, creative, and sometimes surprising ways humans have represented the end of life to find meaning, comfort, and even hope. Learn the meaning behind common artistic reminders of death, from the skulls and hourglasses of the memento mori tradition to the subtle messages in classic still-life paintings.

Discover the Danse Macabre, a famous art motif showing that death comes for everyone regardless of wealth or status, often depicted with a touch of dark humour. Explore the Ars Moriendi—the “Good Death” guides from the Middle Ages that used pictures to show how to face your final moments with courage and peace. See how today’s artists continue to “decode” death, moving towards the celebration of a life well-lived.