What availeth gold richesse or perle? / or what availeth highe blood or Gentylnesse / Or what availeth freshnesse or beaute? / Or what is worth highe powre or strangenesse? / Deth seith chekmat to al such veyn noblesse.

- John Lydgate, The Dance of Death (c. 1430). Aberth, Source 42.

Death says “Checkmate”

Video clip:

Knight challenges Death to a game of Chess. The Seventh Seal (1957)

Death as Chess Partner: Toby Church, Sweden. Artist Albertus Pictor (d. 1507)