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The Dance of Death

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( 397 ratings, 51 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Dance of Death by Hans Holbein is a fascinating exploration of the late-medieval concept of the danse macabre, where Death is depicted as an inevitable equalizer visiting people from all walks of life. This artistic masterpiece features a series of woodcuts accompanied by vivid imagery and allegory, illustrating the universal theme that death comes to everyone regardless of wealth, status, or position. Holbein's work is both a philosophical reflection and a profound artistic expression from the Renaissance period.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This captivating exploration of art showcases the intricate woodcuts of a renowned Renaissance artist. You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in the symbolic representation of mortality in art and culture or appreciate the historical context of these profound and thought-provoking images.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A new departure in Penguin Classics – a book containing one of the greatest of all Renaissance woodcut sequences – Holbein's bravura danse macabre.

One of Holbein's first great triumphs, The Dance of Death is an incomparable sequence of tiny woodcuts showing the folly of human greed and pride, with each image packed with drama, wit and horror as a skeleton mocks and terrifies everyone from the emperor to a ploughman. Taking full advantage of the new literary culture of the early 16th century, The Dance of Death took an old medieval theme and made it new.

This edition of The Dance of Death reproduces a complete set from the British Museum, with many details highlighted and examples of other works in this grisly field.

Ulinka Rublack introduces the woodcuts with a remarkable essay on the late medieval danse macabre and the world Holbein lived in.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Dance of Death by Hans Holbein is praised for its timeless message that death is a universal equaliser, intruding upon both the lives of the wealthy and the poor. The commentary by Ulinka Rublack is highlighted as insightful and informative, offering valuable context about Holbein's era and suggesting perspectives on his views regarding the reformation.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141396828

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 October 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Edited by Ulinka Rublack

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 185g

Pages: 208

About the Author

Hans Holbein (Author) Hans Holbein the Younger (1497-1543) was a Swiss and German artist renowned for his portraiture. As a young artist Holbein worked in Basel where he produced one of his well-known works The Dance of Death, a series of 41 wood cuttings on the medieval concept of the danse macabre. In 1526 Holbein travelled to England on Erasmus's recommendation and there he executed some of his most impressive works, such as his portrait of Sir Thomas More. He returned to England in 1532 at a time of political and religious turmoil under Henry VIII's reign and found favour with the Boleyn family and Thomas Cromwell, becoming the King's Painter in 1536. He died in London in 1543.

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