The Dance of Death (Dover Fine Art, History of Art) - Softcover
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.
This edition, reprinting the unabridged 1538 edition, is the first in a series reprinting great rare books from the Rosenwald Collection. Besides the woodcuts, the book contains a prefatory letter by Jean de Vauzéle and various quotations, depictions, and meditations on death, deaths of men, and the necessity of death. A repeated series of the 41 woodblocks follows the reprinted work and contains English translations of the quotations and verses. Art historians and social historians will find this to be one of the best depictions of class life caught at its fateful moment. The collector will find this to be the finest reproduction of one of Holbein's major works.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
Hans Holbein
Language Notes:
Text: English, French, Latin
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherDover Publications
- Publication date1971
- ISBN 10 0486228045
- ISBN 13 9780486228044
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages160
- Rating
Buy New
Learn more about this copy
US$ 7.51
Shipping:
US$ 2.64
Within U.S.A.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Seller Image
Dance of Death,
Published by
Dover Publications
(1971)
ISBN 10: 0486228045
ISBN 13: 9780486228044
New
Softcover
Quantity: 5
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 444266-n
Buy New
US$ 7.51
Convert currency
Seller Image
The Dance of Death (Paperback or Softback)
Published by
Dover Publications 6/1/1971
(1971)
ISBN 10: 0486228045
ISBN 13: 9780486228044
New
Paperback or Softback
Quantity: 5
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Paperback or Softback. Condition: New. The Dance of Death 0.45. Book. Seller Inventory # BBS-9780486228044
Buy New
US$ 10.16
Convert currency
Stock Image
The Dance of Death (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)
Published by
Dover Publications
(1971)
ISBN 10: 0486228045
ISBN 13: 9780486228044
New
Softcover
Quantity: > 20
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Brand New! Not Overstocks or Low Quality Book Club Editions! Direct From the Publisher! We're not a giant, faceless warehouse organization! We're a small town bookstore that loves books and loves it's customers! Buy from Lakeside Books!. Seller Inventory # OTF-S-9780486228044
Buy New
US$ 6.39
Convert currency
Stock Image
The Dance of Death Format: Paperback
Published by
Dover Publishers
(1971)
ISBN 10: 0486228045
ISBN 13: 9780486228044
New
Softcover
Quantity: > 20
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Brand New. Seller Inventory # 0486228045
Buy New
US$ 6.75
Convert currency
Stock Image
The Dance of Death (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)
Published by
Dover Publications
(2024)
ISBN 10: 0486228045
ISBN 13: 9780486228044
New
Paperback
Quantity: 20
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Brand New! This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # 0486228045
Buy New
US$ 11.73
Convert currency
Stock Image
The Dance of Death (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)
Published by
Dover Publications
(1971)
ISBN 10: 0486228045
ISBN 13: 9780486228044
New
Softcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. Seller Inventory # 0486228045-2-1
Buy New
US$ 12.85
Convert currency
Stock Image
The Dance of Death (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)
Published by
Dover Publications
(1971)
ISBN 10: 0486228045
ISBN 13: 9780486228044
New
Softcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Seller Inventory # 353-0486228045-new
Buy New
US$ 12.86
Convert currency
Stock Image
The Dance of Death (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)
Published by
Dover Publications
(1971)
ISBN 10: 0486228045
ISBN 13: 9780486228044
New
Softcover
Quantity: > 20
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # ABLIING23Feb2215580228997
Buy New
US$ 8.88
Convert currency
Stock Image
The Dance of Death (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)
Published by
Dover Publications
(1971)
ISBN 10: 0486228045
ISBN 13: 9780486228044
New
Softcover
Quantity: > 20
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # I-9780486228044
Buy New
US$ 13.00
Convert currency
Stock Image
The Dance of Death (Paperback)
Published by
Dover Publications Inc., New York
(2003)
ISBN 10: 0486228045
ISBN 13: 9780486228044
New
Paperback
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. 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 Lutzelburger, 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.This edition, reprinting the unabridged 1538 edition, is the first in a series reprinting great rare books from the Rosenwald Collection. Besides the woodcuts, the book contains a prefatory letter by Jean de Vauzele and various quotations, depictions, and meditations on death, deaths of men, and the necessity of death. A repeated series of the 41 woodblocks follows the reprinted work and contains English translations of the quotations and verses. Art historians and social historians will find this to be one of the best depictions of class life caught at its fateful moment. The collector will find this to be the finest reproduction of one of Holbein's major works. The most celebrated work of the 16th-century woodcut master, these 41 illustrations are a stark reminder of a dramatic motif: "Remember, you will die." Includes various quotations, depictions, and meditations on death. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780486228044
Buy New
US$ 13.69
Convert currency