Totentanz

Totentanz in Basel is a square in Grossbasel next to the Predigerkirche, tied to one of Europe's best-known medieval Dance of Death cycles. The site was once the cemetery of the Dominican friary, and the huge mural painted on its wall gave the place its name.

What is the Basel Totentanz?

The German word means "dance of death", an allegory in which skeletons lead people of every rank into the dance, from pope and emperor to farmer and child. The message: in the face of death, everyone is equal. The Basel cycle is usually dated to 1439-1440, during the Council of Basel (1431-1448). Because of where it stood, it is also called the Predigertotentanz, the "preachers' dance of death".

What can you see today?

The painting itself is gone from the square. The cycle ran about 60 metres along the cemetery wall, with life-size pairs of figures, a living person and a dancing skeleton, accompanied by dialogues in verse. The friary wall was demolished in 1805 and the fresco was destroyed. Nineteen fragments were saved. They are displayed at the Historisches Museum Basel in the former Barfüsserkirche, alongside small sculptural replicas of the figure pairs. The overall look of the cycle is also known from copies and engravings, including after Matthäus Merian, and from Johann Rudolf Feyerabend's copies of 1806.

Combine a stroll around the square with a visit to the Predigerkirche, then head to the museum to see the original fragments.

Was there another Dance of Death in Basel?

Yes. An earlier cycle stood at the Klingental convent on the Kleinbasel side of the Rhine. It did not survive either, and is known through Emanuel Büchel's drawings from 1766-1768. Do not confuse it with the Totentanz at the Predigerkirche.

Link to Jean Tinguely

The Basel Dance of Death inspired Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely, who said that in Basel he "lived with the Dance of Death". His kinetic Mengele-Totentanz draws on that tradition, and the Museum Tinguely has devoted an exhibition to the theme.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see the original painting at Totentanz square?

No. The fresco was destroyed when the wall was torn down in 1805. The surviving fragments are in the Historisches Museum Basel (Barfüsserkirche).

How many fragments survive?

Nineteen fragments were rescued.

When was the Basel Dance of Death painted?

In the 15th century, most often dated to around 1440, the time of the Council of Basel.

How long was the cycle?

About 60 metres, running along the Dominican cemetery wall.