Holbein
HANS, or JOHANN (hol'bin), a German painter; born in Augsburg about 1495. He learned HOLCUS elements of his art from his father. His talent procured him the friendship of Erasmus, at whose recommendation he went to England, and was employed first by Sir Thomas More, who introduced him to Henry VIII. He rose to the zenith of fortune in that monarch's court, and painted a great number of portraits which are still considered masterpieces of art. His masterpiece is perhaps the "Family of the Burgomaster Meyer," Gallery of Dresden. Holbein designed the celebrated series known as the "Dance of Death," cut in wood and first published at Lyons in 1538. He died of the plague in 1543. a