Where does the image of the Grimreaper come from?

I mean, from what mythology and country is it from? You all know what I’m talking about, the most common image of death, in many parts of the world anyways; a skeleton in a black robe with a hood, carrying a scythe. He usually comes to take the deceased wherever it is we go when we croak.
In tarot cards the death card isn’t actually the end, it means a rebirth, or a replacement, and some have the Reaper on them…it might be a clue to my answer, but I’m not sure at all. Ideas?