ABSTRACT
Groundwork is laid for two virtually unexplored areas of Holbein reception: First, his impact on later artists, which has never been examined on a broad scale as a theme in itself.2 Second, the study of his impact in critical and belletristic writings, which has only been sporadically explored, mainly by literary historians. Among other themes touched upon here are: Holbein's diverse uses of illusionism, the critical reception of his portraiture, the history of attributions and the changing scope of Holbein's oeuvre, and an overview of efforts made by early collectors to acquire his works. Two fmal sections summarize the state of Holbein research with a selection of the most significant monographs, catalogues and exhibitions and a synopsis of recent scholarship. See "Contents" for an overview of these themes.
