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Der Totentanz
Description from the Black Letter Press Website:
The evocative work of Hans Holbein, known as Der Totentanz or The Dance of Death, stands as a testament to artistic mastery and social commentary. Holbein's intricate depictions were crafted in Basel during the years leading up to 1526, a time shadowed by the passing of the woodcutter Lützelburger. It was the convergence of Holbein's skill and Lützelburger's craft that birthed these powerful "Bilder des Todes" or "pictures of death."
The candid and unflinching manner in which the images unveiled social and political injustices raised concerns. It wasn't until twelve years later that these woodblock prints saw the light of day. Under the title "Les simulachres & historiees faces de la mort," they finally emerged, offering a haunting confrontation with the fragility of existence.
The cover design resembles the Amsler & Ruthard Edition, first published in Berlin 1922.
Hardcover bound in Black Geltex
Measures 100x160 mm
Black, 120-gram Endpapers and Headbands
Printed on 115 g wood-free, age-resistant Cream paper
Sewn book block
Gilded on front and spine
The evocative work of Hans Holbein, known as Der Totentanz or The Dance of Death, stands as a testament to artistic mastery and social commentary. Holbein's intricate depictions were crafted in Basel during the years leading up to 1526, a time shadowed by the passing of the woodcutter Lützelburger. It was the convergence of Holbein's skill and Lützelburger's craft that birthed these powerful "Bilder des Todes" or "pictures of death."
The candid and unflinching manner in which the images unveiled social and political injustices raised concerns. It wasn't until twelve years later that these woodblock prints saw the light of day. Under the title "Les simulachres & historiees faces de la mort," they finally emerged, offering a haunting confrontation with the fragility of existence.
The cover design resembles the Amsler & Ruthard Edition, first published in Berlin 1922.
Hardcover bound in Black Geltex
Measures 100x160 mm
Black, 120-gram Endpapers and Headbands
Printed on 115 g wood-free, age-resistant Cream paper
Sewn book block
Gilded on front and spine
172 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1526
About the author
Hans Holbein
185 books10 followersHans Holbein the Younger (c. 1497–1543) was a German-Swiss painter and printmaker who worked in a Northern Renaissance style, and is considered one of the greatest portraitists of the 16th century. He is called "the Younger" to distinguish him from his father, Hans Holbein the Elder, an accomplished painter of the Late Gothic school.
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July 4, 2024
I was thinking about the woodcuts and quotations while listening to Rachmaninoff's "Isle of the Dead" on a dark and cloudy morning. To all who can fathom the mysteries of death from this, combined with the woodcuts of the kingdom of children (The Putti cycle), I salute you. Death is indeed a terrifying king, once for the flesh of mortals, twice for the soul, thrice for the world when it withdraws from its genius own. To all who are incapable of developing discernment, I would like to give a tribute and a silent commendation: Bruno Goetz (1885 - 1954). "The Kingdom Without Space". A memento mori book to keep someplace visible, reminding both of a heroic affirmation of life, yet not losing death from sight.
Displaying 1 of 1 review