Dance of the Death

Dance of the Death is a sculptural installation by Hans van Bentem, presented in January 2005 at Museum Het Valkhof in Nijmegen. The work consisted of ten life-sized glass skeletons, each approximately 1.75 meters tall, slowly rotating among sparkling disco balls in a darkened room. The interplay of light and glass created a ghostly yet poetic scene, uniting themes of transience, beauty, and celebration.

The title refers to the medieval motif of the danse macabre, in which death unites all people as equals. Van Bentem gave this theme a glamorous twist: his skeletons resembled nightclub guests more than ecclesiastical figures. The mirrored environment accentuated the theatrical character of the installation, lending it an almost sacred atmosphere.

The installation was part of the exhibition Kind & Kunst and was made possible with the support of Mothership, which was responsible for production and project management. Dance of the Death exemplified Van Bentem’s ability to merge baroque visual language with popular culture and artisanal craftsmanship. Appealing to both young and old, the work offered an experience balancing spectacle and contemplation.