This describes and explains the surprisingly mobile and innovative life of the artist Hans Holbein the Younger, who worked for the patricians and humanists at Basle and as a court painter of Henry VIII. in London. He created woodcuts, book illustrations, interior and exterior frescoes, altarpieces, memorial tablets, portraits, drawings, figurative festal decorations for both laymen and clergymen, catholic and protestant customers, patricians, humanist scholars, statesmen, merchants of the steelyard, diplomats at court, noblemen, and potential brides of King Henry VIII. He depended very much on the patronage of such men as Erasmus of Rotterdam, Sir Thomas More, councillors and Lord Mayors of Basle, and last but not least on King Henry VIII. Hans Holbein the Younger contributed to the wealth of humanism with his talents, gifts, and his artistic skills. The range of techniques he commanded was exceptionally broad.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- A Short Report on the Life & Works of Hans Holbein the Younger
- Early Life and Training
- Years in Basel
- Travels and the Impact of the Reformation
- Life and Work in England
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This report aims to provide a concise overview of the life and artistic career of Hans Holbein the Younger, highlighting key periods and significant works. It focuses on his artistic development, the influences on his style, and his adaptability to changing social and religious contexts.
- Holbein's artistic training and early influences
- His diverse artistic production, including portraits, religious works, and book illustrations
- The impact of the Reformation on Holbein's career and artistic choices
- Holbein's patronage and social networks
- His move to England and his success as a portraitist
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Early Life and Training: This section details Holbein's birth in Augsburg, his family's artistic background, and his early training in his father's workshop. It highlights the limited information available regarding his precise birthdate and relies on his self-portrait and his father's sketches. The economic struggles of the family during this period are also noted, suggesting a possible motivation for the later move to Basel. The section concludes with Holbein and his brother Ambrosius's apprenticeship with Master Hans Herbster in Basel, an important step in their artistic development, and the connection to Augsburg goldsmith Jörg Schweiger suggesting continued family ties and potential influence on Holbein's later work.
Years in Basel: This chapter covers Holbein's time in Basel, from his arrival in 1515 to his departure for England in 1526. It chronicles his early commissions, including portraits of the mayor and his wife, book illustrations (Erasmus's "Laus Stultitiae"), and a schoolmaster's sign, showcasing his versatility in different artistic media. His later work includes frescoes, religious altarpieces (such as the Basel altarpiece and the Solothurn Madonna), and illustrations for Luther's New Testament and the books of Moses. The chapter highlights his prolific output and growing reputation in Basel, while also mentioning the impact of the religious changes and iconoclasm on his work and the subsequent decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Travels and the Impact of the Reformation: This section discusses Holbein's travels, including his journey to Lucerne for commissions and a potential study trip to Northern Italy. The influence of the Reformation in Basel, leading to the destruction of religious imagery, is discussed as a critical turning point in Holbein's career. The chapter emphasizes the growing religious tensions in Basel and how Holbein’s artistic production reflected this turbulent era. The letter of recommendation from Erasmus, securing Holbein's passage to England through Antwerp, becomes a crucial factor in this narrative transition.
Life and Work in England: This chapter focuses on Holbein's arrival in England in 1526 and his patronage by Sir Thomas More. It showcases his successful integration into English society and his establishment as a leading portraitist. The chapter emphasizes Holbein's skill in capturing the likeness and personalities of his subjects and the inclusion of environmental details in his works. The chapter highlights his portraits of influential figures, underscoring his artistic achievements and his status within English high society. The quotes from the *Neue Deutsche Biographie* provide insights into his relationship with More and the challenges he faced in navigating his new environment.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Hans Holbein the Younger, portraiture, religious art, Reformation, Basel, England, book illustration, woodcut, Erasmus, Sir Thomas More, artistic patronage, German Renaissance, Northern Renaissance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the "A Short Report on the Life & Works of Hans Holbein the Younger" about?
This report provides a concise overview of Hans Holbein the Younger's life and artistic career. It focuses on key periods, significant works, artistic development, influences on his style, and his adaptability to changing social and religious contexts.
What are the key themes explored in the report?
The report covers Holbein's artistic training and early influences, his diverse artistic production (including portraits, religious works, and book illustrations), the impact of the Reformation on his career, his patronage and social networks, and his move to England and success as a portraitist.
What does the chapter "Early Life and Training" cover?
This section details Holbein's birth in Augsburg, his family's artistic background, and his early training in his father's workshop. It discusses his apprenticeship with Master Hans Herbster in Basel and highlights potential influences on Holbein's later work based on connections to Augsburg goldsmith Jörg Schweiger. It also covers the family's economic struggles, providing possible motivation for the later move to Basel.
What does the "Years in Basel" chapter cover?
This chapter covers Holbein's time in Basel, from 1515 to 1526. It discusses his early commissions (portraits, book illustrations, a schoolmaster's sign), his later work (frescoes, religious altarpieces, illustrations for Luther's New Testament), and the impact of religious changes on his work and decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.
What is discussed in the "Travels and the Impact of the Reformation" section?
This section discusses Holbein's travels (including Lucerne and potentially Northern Italy), the influence of the Reformation in Basel and its impact on his career, the growing religious tensions in Basel, and Erasmus's letter of recommendation that helped him move to England via Antwerp.
What is the focus of the "Life and Work in England" chapter?
This chapter focuses on Holbein's arrival in England in 1526, his patronage by Sir Thomas More, his successful integration into English society, his establishment as a portraitist, his skill in capturing likenesses and personalities, and his portraits of influential figures.
What are some of the keywords associated with Hans Holbein the Younger and his work?
Some keywords include: Hans Holbein the Younger, portraiture, religious art, Reformation, Basel, England, book illustration, woodcut, Erasmus, Sir Thomas More, artistic patronage, German Renaissance, Northern Renaissance.
- Quote paper
- Volker Beckmann (Author), 1979, The Life and Works of Hans Holbein the Younger. A Short Report, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1552975
