Before 1526 Holbein had produced a series of woodcuts illustrating the Dance of Death. Holbein's ironic tone throughout the series contrasts sharply with contemporary, more expressionist treatments of the subject. Death appears as a mocker, attacking every class of humanity and - as he snatches the Emperor's crown during the distribution of Justice, and fixes around the countess's neck a chain of bones while she makes a lavish toilet - reveals the futility of worldly power and concerns. The series is remarkable for its variety and for the precision of Holbein's feeling for different social types.
Summary of paintings by Hans Holbein the Younger |
1515-19 | 1519-25 | altarpieces | 1526-28 | 1529-31 |
1532-35 | Ambassadors | Henry VIII and his family | 1536-43 |
drawings and woodcuts | miniatures | Miscellaneous works |