The Dances of Death

The Dances of Death - Through the Various Stages of Human Life: Wherein the Capriciousness of that Tyrant is Exhibited

JOHN or HANS HOLBEIN was born at Basil in 1498, and died at London of the plague in 1554, aged 56. This admirable Painter was instructed in the art by his father JOHN HOLBEIN. In the early part of his life, he pursued his studies with incessant assiduity; and being possessed of an elevated genius, his progress was exceedingly rapid; so that he soon became far superior to his instructor. He painted equally well in oil, water colours, and in fresco; and although he had never practised the art of painting in miniature till he resided in England, yet he afterwards carried it to its highest perfection. The invention of Holbein was surprisingly fruitful, and often poetical; his execution was remarkably quick, and his application indefatigable. His pencil was exceedingly delicate; his coloring had a wonderful degree of force; he finished his pictures with exquisite neatness; and his carnations were life itself. He excelled all his cotemporaries in portrait, and his genuine works are always distinguishable by the true, round, lively imitation of flesh visible in them, and also by the amazing delicacy of his finishing. The genius and excellence of this master were sufficiently shewn in the historical style, by two celebrated compositions which he painted in the Hall of the Steel-yard Company; of which the subjects were the Triumph of Riches, and the condition of Poverty: these two are universally admired for the richness of the colouring, as also for the strong character of the figures through the whole. Frederick Zucchero, on seeing these pictures, expressed the highest esteem for Holbein, and even copied them in Indian ink. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 58808
Author: Deuchar, David
Release Date: Feb 2, 2019
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Illustrator: Holbein, Hans, 1497-1543