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Antique Old Master Drawing – The Dance of Death: The Abbot – After Hans Holbein the YoungerAn intriguing antique drawing on laid/handmade-type paper, depicting The Abbot from the celebrated Dance of Death composition associated with Hans Holbein the Younger (1497/98–1543).The scene shows an abbot holding a book while being seized by Death, accompanied by a skeletal musician blowing a trumpet. An hourglass hangs from the tree above, reinforcing the traditional memento mori symbolism.This example appears to be a hand-executed drawing after the Holbein composition rather than a woodcut impression. It is executed predominantly in brown/dark ink with fine cross-hatching and additional muted red, green and pink colouring or washes.The sheet measures approximately 23 x 21 cm (please refer to the photographs showing the measurements).Of particular interest is an old blue/black collector’s or ownership stamp in the lower-left corner. The stamp is partially indistinct and has not been identified. It may merit further research.The paper is thin and fibrous and becomes strongly translucent when held against light, as illustrated in the photographs. Photographs of both recto and verso are included.Attribution and date:
Artist unknown. After Hans Holbein the Younger. The precise date of execution has not been established. It is offered as an antique drawing/copy after the Holbein composition and not as an autograph work by Hans Holbein.Medium: Pen and ink with coloured washes/drawing media on paper.
Subject: Dance of Death – The Abbot / Der Abt.
Dimensions: approx. 23 x 21 cm.
Unsigned.
Unframed.Condition: Antique condition with age-related wear, discolouration/toning, surface marks and irregularities to the edges. There are small remnants/tabs along the upper edge, apparently from an earlier mounting. The collector’s stamp is worn and incomplete. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.An interesting piece for a collection of Old Master drawings, memento mori, vanitas, Dance of Death / Danse Macabre imagery, or works associated with the artistic tradition of Hans Holbein the Younger.The item pictured is the actual item offered for sale.
