Definition

Proper noun 1. Hans Holbein the Elder: A German painter (c. 1465–1524) known for his late Gothic religious works and portraits. 2. Hans Holbein the Younger: A German painter and printmaker (c. 1497–1543), son of Hans Holbein the Elder. He is especially renowned for his portraits, including those of Erasmus and King Henry VIII of England, and for his work as a court painter in England.

Usage Notes

• The name "Hans Holbein" typically refers to Hans Holbein the Younger, the more famous of the two artists.
• To avoid confusion between the father and son, the qualifiers "the Elder" and "the Younger" are used.
• It functions as a proper noun referring to a specific historical figure.

Examples

• Referring to Hans Holbein the Younger:
  • The portrait of Erasmus by Hans Holbein is a masterpiece of Northern Renaissance art.
  • Henry VIII commissioned Hans Holbein to paint portraits of his potential brides.
• Specifying which Holbein:
  • The altar panels in the Frankfurt Cathedral are attributed to Hans Holbein the Elder.
  • "The Ambassadors," with its famous anamorphic skull, was painted by Hans Holbein the Younger.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively to describe his style or work.
  • The painting has a Holbein-like precision in its detail.
  • This is a study of Holbein portraiture.

Variants and Related Words

• Holbein (noun): Often used as a shortened form to refer to Hans Holbein the Younger.
  • The museum has an original Holbein in its collection.
• Holbeinesque (adjective): Resembling or characteristic of the style of Hans Holbein, particularly the Younger.
  • The artist's meticulous technique is decidedly Holbeinesque.

Synonyms

• (For Hans Holbein the Younger): The Younger Holbein, Holbein.
• (For Hans Holbein the Elder): The Elder Holbein.

Note: There are no direct synonyms for a proper name, but these are the standard forms of reference.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• Holbein portrait: A portrait executed by or in the style of Hans Holbein the Younger, known for its realism, detail, and psychological insight.
  • The subject stares out from the Holbein portrait with penetrating directness.
• Holbein carpet: A type of 16th-century Anatolian carpet often depicted in the paintings of Hans Holbein the Younger.
  • The intricate geometric pattern is typical of a Holbein carpet.

Noun

1. German painter of religious works (1465-1524)
2. German painter and engraver noted for his portraits; he was commissioned by Henry VIII to provide portraits of the English king's prospective brides (1497-1543)