PREFACE.

I

In the town of Basil he painted a picture of our Saviour'sSufterings, as well as a Dance of Peasants.

Abbe du Bos observes, that the altar-piece at Basil, paintedby Holbein, may be compared with the best productions of Ra-phael's disciples for composition, and preferred to them withrespect to colouring; that he shews a greater degree of know-ledge of the chiaro-scuro, and particular incidents of light thatare truly marvellous. But that which contributed niost to raiseand establish the reputation of this celebrated Painter wasDeath's Dance, designed and painted by him in the town-houseof Basil; a work truly admirable, and which alone was suffi-cient to render the name of Holbein immortal.

Sandrart relates, that he heard Rubens arknowledge, that hehad learned a great deal froni the pictures of Death's Dance;and he recommended them strongly to the study of many of bisown profession.

The learned Erasmus was so much Struck by the wonderfuldisplay of genius exhibited in this great work, that he conceiveda strong friendship for Holbein; sat to him forhis picture; andrecommended him to Sir Thomas Moore, the then Lord Chan-cellor of England: and to this incident our country is indebtedfor the many excellent Performances which it afterwards receivedfrom the pencil of Holbein.

The designs for Death's Dance were cut in wood by Holbein,and published with the original texts from which they weretaken; from that work the following plates were done. Theycontain the whole of Death's Dance, with borders and decora-tions ; to which are added, adescription of each plate in Frenchand English, and a portrait of Holbein.