{"product_id":"the-duke-hans-holbein-the-younger","title":"The Duke - Hans Holbein the Younger","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking woodcut from Hans Holbein the Younger's Dance of Death series, depicting a nobleman confronted by the figure of mortality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodcut, titled Der Hertzog (The Duke), belongs to the famous Dance of Death series by Hans Holbein the Younger. Executed in the early sixteenth century, these small-scale prints explore the universal nature of mortality. Holbein depicts a powerful nobleman, dressed in ermine-trimmed robes, being confronted by a skeletal figure representing Death. The skeleton, adorned with a wreath, reaches out to claim the Duke, who appears caught in a moment of surprise or resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBehind the Duke, a small child and a woman look on, adding a layer of domestic tragedy to the scene. The composition is tight and focused, typical of the woodcut medium, where every line serves to define form and shadow within a limited space. Holbein uses precise, economical strokes to render the textures of the Duke's clothing and the bony structure of the figure of Death. The architectural backdrop provides a sense of place, yet the focus remains on the interaction between the living and the inevitable end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolbein designed these images to be accessible to a wide audience, reflecting the social anxieties of the Reformation era. The series was cut by Hans Lützelburger, whose technical skill allowed for the fine detail visible in the original blocks. This print offers a clear view into the artistic concerns of the Northern Renaissance, where the memento mori theme was a common subject for reflection. The stark contrast between the status of the Duke and the equality imposed by Death remains a compelling visual narrative. This museum-grade print captures the sharp lines and historical character of the original woodcut, making it a suitable addition for those interested in early modern print culture and the history of graphic art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/border-composed-of-four-blocks-initials-a-i-urs-graf\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eBorder Composed of Four Blocks; Initials A, I - Urs Graf — Urs Graf\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nadab-and-abihu-consumed-by-fire-veit-rudolf-specklin\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eNadab and Abihu Consumed by Fire - Veit Rudolf Specklin — Veit Rudolf Specklin\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hans Holbein the Younger","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58604597870927,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58604657279311,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58604657312079,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58604657344847,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58604657377615,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58604657410383,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58604657443151,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58604657475919,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58604657508687,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58604657541455,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58604657574223,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58604657606991,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Duke_Poster_CompositorV1_1788062656224.jpg?v=1788107404","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/products\/the-duke-hans-holbein-the-younger","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}