he knight has an outrageously large plumage on his head.
Maybe that's what prevents him from seeing
Death attacking him from behind.
The feathers may seem exaggerated with modern eyes, but they are far from unusual.
The picture to the left by Hans Wechtlin is from 1501-1526, i.e. a little older than Holbein's dance of death.
Wechtlin's knight is no less feathered than Holbein's knight.
Holbein's knight has also been made as a silver plate in the 1600's (picture to the right).
Variations: In Birckmann's version, the knight stands with both feet on the ground
and holds the sword with both hands.
Valvasor and Deuchar copies Birckmann.
he knight has an outrageously large plumage on his head.
Maybe that's what prevents him from seeing
Death attacking him from behind.
Dances of death
Holbein