"[Lot of 4 - Dance of Death]", Hollar, Wenceslaus

Four 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.

1) Mortalium Nobilitas… features a royal couple displaying Death's armorial shield.
2) Percutiam Pastorem & Dispergen… shows Death taking a bishop.
3) Qui congregat the faarros… illustrates the abduction of a wealthy shipping merchant while he is counting his money.
4) Vae qui instisica… shows a monk in his vineyard.

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Condition: A+