Holbein

1879 · 057FR1 — A. Quantin 1879. 1879 pp. 201 27 Wonderful engraved plates. Illustrated with 49 gravures in the text fleurons ornamental letters and culs-de-lampes engraved after Holbein. Folio. 47 cm. Soiled original full cloth binding. Includes the important "Catalogue des Peintures de Holbein" pp. 185-194 and bibliographical references. Hans Holbein the Younger 1497-1543 was born in Augsburg Bavaria. He received his first lessons in art from his father. In 1515 the younger Holbein went to Basel Switzerland with his brother Ambrosius. Among the many scholars living in Basel at that time was the famous Dutch humanist Erasmus who befriended the young artist and asked him to illustrate his satire Encomium Moriae The Praise of Folly. Holbein also illustrated other books including Martin Luther's German translation of the Bible. In addition he painted pictures and portraits and like his father designed stained-glass windows. He also created designs for a series of 41 woodcuts called The Dance of Death. About 1525 the factional strife that accompanied the Reformation made Basel a difficult place for an artist to work. In 1526 Holbein carrying a letter of introduction from Erasmus to the English statesman and author Sir Thomas More set out for London. He met with a favorable reception in England and stayed there for two years. In 1528 he returned to Basel where he painted portraits and murals for the town hall. In 1532 he left his wife and children there and traveled once again to London. In England where he became court painter to Henry VIII Holbein was known chiefly as a painter of portraits. His services were much in demand. The more than 100 miniature and full-size portraits he completed at Henry's court provide a remarkable document of that colorful period. An old account of his services at court relates that he painted the portrait of the king "life size so well that everyone who looks is astonished since it seems to live as if it moved its head and limbs." In spite of their richness of detail Holbein's portraits provide remarkably little insight into the personality and character of the people he painted. Holbein also found time to perform numerous services for Henry. He designed the king's state robes and made drawings that were the basis of all kinds of items used by the royal household from buttons to bridles to bookbindings. In 1539 when Henry was thinking of marrying Anne of Cleves he sent Holbein to paint her portrait. In 1543 Holbein was in London working on another portrait of the king when he died a victim of the plague. FIRST EDITION. FR1 Language: eng. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. A. Quantin, 1879. hardcover