Hans Holbein: Portrait of an Unknown Man

by Derek Wilson

Book Overview

Hans Holbein the Younger was a leading figure of the Northern Renaissance, who continues to exercise an enormous influence in our understanding of the mid-Tudor age, but who was also a member of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 029781561X
• ISBN13: 9780297815617
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square
• Length: 308 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

READABLE, OPINIONATED, NEVER DULL

The author attempts interesting 'symbolic' interpretations of some of Holbeins' more famous works in the visual context of the time. For example, Anna of Cleves' asymmetrical dress trim says "No social graces", to the initiated. One wonders why the King didn't see this if it was indeed common to include visual puns in paintings? I took issue with the author's rather silly descriptions of 16th century religious books as 'best-sellers', as if there was some sort of survey going on at the time. Otherwise, this is a very worthwhile addition to any Holbein fan's collection. It's written intelligently and attempts to place the artist in the various towns and countries with reason. And it will make you look twice at ALL the details in all the versions of a Holbein painting!