The Dance of Death Author:Hans Holbein the Younger Hans Holbein the Younger (1497-1543), best known for his insightful portrait paintings, 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 1... more »538.
The theme of the dance of death was a popular one of the 16th century. Holbein captured the feeling of death, the leveler, in its attack on all classes, both sexes, and all ages. A stylized skeleton snatches the child from his mother's breast. The skeleton snatches, plays, tugs, and cavorts through the rest of the book. The King, the Emperor, the Pope, the Cardinal must cease from their functions. The skull is thrust into the fact of the astrologer. The hourglass runs ouit on the floor. 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.« less