HOLBEIN, Hans (1497-1543). The Dances of Death, through the various stages of Human Life: wherein the capriciousness of that tyrant is exhibited in Forty-Six Copper plates. London: W. Smith and Co., for John Scott & Thomas Ostell, 1803.

4to (179 x 144 mm). Additional engraved title for "Le Triomphe de la Mort," dated 1786, frontispiece portrait, 46 engravings by David Deuchar after Holbein. Contemporary blue morocco gilt, covers with floral border, anchor tools in corners, upper cover with central ornament of Garter badge and collar surmounted by a crown and with anchor underneath, flanked by the initials "G. R.III.", smooth spine in 6 compartments (hinges starting, some light wear). Provenance: George III (1738-1820), King of Great Britain and Ireland (binding); his third son, William Henry, Duke of Clarence (1765-1837), later King William IV (bookplate); his eldest illegitimate son George Augustus Frederick FitzClarence (1794-1842), English peer (his bookplates as Col. FitzClarence and the Earl of Munster); John Gerard Heckscher (1837-1908), American book collector (bookplates).

A COPY FROM KING GEORGE III'S LIBRARY. In terms of his contribution to the arts, he is best remembered for his book collecting; his library was available to scholars and became the foundation of a new national library (see Ayling, George the Third, 1972, p. 195-198). George Augustus FitzClarence served in the Peninsular War, was wounded twice, and escaped capture by the French. He became brevet lieutenant-colonel in 1819 and served as A.D.C. to his father, King William IV, from 1830 to 1837, becoming Earl of Munster in June 1831. His Journal of a Route across India, through Egypt, to England, illustrated with hand-colored plates, was published in 1819.

Hans Holbein's series of woodcuts was first published in 1536. In this edition, 46 Dance of Death plates are within separately engraved borders in four different designs. 30 of the woodcuts are copied from Wenceslaus Hollar's 17th-century designs. Brunet III:258; Oppermann 1154 ("very rare edition").

Property from the Collection of Norman and Florence Blitch

HOLBEIN, Hans (1497-1543). The Dances of Death, through the various stages of Human Life: wherein the capriciousness of that tyrant is exhibited in Forty-Six Copper plates. London: W. Smith and Co., for John Scott & Thomas Ostell, 1803.