Catalog Archive
Auction 139, Lot 735

"[Lot of 3 - Dance of Death]", Hollar, Wenceslaus

Subject: Prints Miscellaneous

Period: 1816 (circa)

Publication: The Dance of Death

Color: Black & White

Size:
2.3 x 3 inches
5.8 x 7.6 cm
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Three copperplate engravings from this fascinating work based upon Holbein's original 15th century designs. Wenceslaus Hollar, a Bohemian etcher, created the copper plates for the original publication in 1647. The plates then disappeared until the late 18th century, when several editions from the "newly discovered" plates began to appear. Although the traditional Dance of Death goes back to the Middle Ages, Hans Holbein altered the medieval concept to show the omnipresence and universality of death. This lot includes:

A. The Rich Man
B. The Waggoner
C. The Preacher

References:

Condition: A

Marginal soiling, else fine.

Estimate: $200 - $250

Sold for: $130

Closed on 2/15/2012

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