Holbein: Masters of Art

'The entire series makes for a fun and exciting introduction to the realm of fine art and is definitely something to consider for a beginning art history collector' - New York Journal of Books

An introductory foundation to the life and works of German-Swiss painter Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543)

16th-century Europe was a time of unprecedented economic expansion, cross-cultural trade, religious upheaval, warring empires, and scientific advancement. With unfettered access to the court of Henry VIII, Hans Holbein had a front-row seat to the royal drama and intrigue, and his detailed, highly narrative portaits tell us much about aristocracy.

It also reveals the artist's talent in other media, such as woodcuts, frescoes, jewelry, and metalwork. Reproductions of these items, as well as Holbein's exquisite, palm-sized miniatures and his highly detailed studies in pencil, chalk, and ink illuminate an artist of unparalleled versatility and impressive commercial acumen.

Some 40 pieces are represented here including a design painting for the facade of Zum Tanz House in Basel, Switzerland (1525), The Body of the Dead Christ in the Tomb (1521), two versions of Erasmus of Rotterdam (1523), Passion Altarpiece (1524), The Artist’s Family (1528), Georg Gisze (1532), The Ambassadors (1533), Henry VIII of England (1537), and a Jane Small miniature (1536). These are accompanied by well written commentaries describing the subject matter, the symbolisms, the intent, or the techniques employed.

Heine tracks Holbein’s movements throughout Europe explaining the various influences, techniques, commissions, and major events Holbein encountered as a painter in the early 1500s. Altogether, the book succeeds at packing a wide range of information into a lightweight and compact 100 pages.

Details

• Author: Florian Heine
• Paperback: 112 pages | 55 colour illustrations
• Date published:  May 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9783791387383
• Product Dimensions: 21.0 x 17.2 cm