Holbein the Younger, Hans

About the artist

Name

Biography

Hans Holbein the Younger was born c.1497 in Augsburg. His father was the accomplished painter, Hans Holbein the Elder. The younger Holbein began his artistic career in Basel; here he was involved in the production of several altarpieces and he also became the Master of the Basel guild of painters. During his early career Holbein also created several woodcut series, including one illustrating the New Testament, and a Dance of Death. In search of patronage, Holbein visited England in 1526, and stayed there for around two years. In this time he was introduced to Sir Thomas More and his circle. In 1528, Holbein returned to Basel and stayed there until 1532. He then relocated to England permanently, and through his connection to Sir Thomas More became the court painter of Henry VIII. Holbein's portraits of Tudor courtiers are now well-known, particularly those of Henry VIII, Sir Thomas More, and Edward VI. Hans Holbein the Younger died in the autumn of 1543. Central Library's Dance of Death Collection includes several editions of Holbein's Dance of Death.

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