Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543) - The Dance of Death. 40 woodcuts - Facsimile of 1st edition c. 1915 ...

Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543) - The Dance of Death. 40 woodcuts - Facsimile of 1st edition c. 1915 Holbein-Verlag Munchen. Der Totentanz. Vierzig Holzschnitte von Hans Holbein d. J. Fakismile-Nachbildungen der ersten Ausgabe mit einer Einleitung von Dr. Hans Ganz.

Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543), remembered today for his insightful portraits, was better known in his own time for his varied and extensive graphic works, the most celebrated of which was The Dance of Death. This work, from the woodblocks of collaborator Hans Lützelburger, was first published in book form in 1538.

The theme of the dance of death was a popular one of the sixteenth century. Holbein captured the feeling of death, the leveler, in its attack on all classes, both sexes, and all ages. A stylized skeleton seizes the child from his mother's breast. The skeleton snatches, plays, tugs, and cavorts throughout the rest of the book. The king, emperor, pope, and cardinal must cease from their functions. The skull is thrust into the face of the astrologer. The hourglass runs out onto the floor. Countess, nun, sailor, peddler, senator are all stopped by the common force. Forty-one finely cut, highly detailed woodcuts capture the single motif, Memento mori: "Remember, you will die." Although the theme is common, the variety of expressions, social groups, backgrounds, styles of dress and architecture, and calls to death are so varied that each one is unique in its power.

hardcover

12 x 15 cm

foxing on endpapers, pages clean