Hans Holbein

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In this comprehensive biography, Derek Wilson marks the 500th anniversary of Hans Holbein the Younger, one of the most original Renaissance artists. Holbein, who lived from 1497 to 1543, is portrayed as a complex figure influenced by the era's greatest thinkers. He developed unique perspectives on religion, politics, and social life while interacting with burghers, merchant adventurers, and the opulent court. Recognized by Nicholas Hilliard as "the greatest Master in [portraiture] that ever was," Holbein's talents extended beyond portraiture. He was sought after for trompe-l'oeil murals, intricate jewelry designs, and innovative book illustrations. His work included Catholic altarpieces, Protestant propaganda engravings, and woodcuts that depicted biblical stories. Wilson's extensive research challenges previous assumptions about Holbein and enriches our understanding of the Renaissance and Reformation. The biography presents Holbein as a man deeply intertwined with the dynamic events of his time, having connections with figures like Erasmus, Thomas More, and Henry VIII. Committed to truth, he navigated the tumultuous landscape of religious and political change, ultimately finding fulfillment as part of Thomas Cromwell's intelligence and propaganda network while journeying from Augsburg to London.