Emblems of Mortality; Representing, In Upwards of Fifty Cuts, Death Seizing All Ranks and Degrees of People; Imitated from a Painting in The Cemetary of The Dominican Church at Basil, in Switzerland: With an apostrophe to Each, translated from the Latin.

Bewick, John

Published by T. Hodgson, London, 1789

About this Item

An early English dance of death title based on the woodcuts of Hans Holbein, here done by John Bewick, brother of Thomas Bewick, a naturalist and woodcut artist. There are 52 woodcuts in the work, including the frontispiece, which shows all walks of life beginning with the Pope and King being led in a line out of a city and into a grave by Death, which is here a skeleton.

Most of the woodcuts are strong impressions and reflect clear talent in the copying of Holbein?s originals. However, many of the woodcuts also reflect original and more modern touches and variances to the original designs that give them a striking character, not least of which is the inclusion of many more hourglasses in cuts that are not present in Holbein?s.

[4],xxviii,51,[1]p. : ill. ; 12mo., Complete.

Plain calf boards, some stains, rebacked and gilt title to spine, interior very good with very occasional small ink or other early stains to a few leaves, and pages very lightly toned at margins, with a few edges just slightly chipped. Otherwise, a very good, sound copy of a rare English Dance of Death title.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1768522210114

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Emblems of Mortality; Representing, In Upwards of Fifty Cuts, Death Seizing All Ranks and Degrees of People; Imitated from a Painting in The Cemetary of The Dominican Church at Basil, in Switzerland: With an apostrophe to Each, translated from the Latin.
• Publisher: T. Hodgson, London
• Publication Date: 1789
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 1 pound