Hans, a celebrated painter, born at Basle in Switzerland in 1498, learned the rudiments of his art from his father, who was a painter; but soon shewed his superior genius. In the town-house of Holbein. Holbein of Basle he painted our Saviour's Passion; and in the fifth-market of the same city Death's Dance, and a Dance of Peasants, which were extremely admired; and Erasmus was so pleased with them, that he desired him to draw his picture, and was ever after his friend. He stayed some years longer at Basle, till his necessities, occasioned by his own extravagance and an increasing family, made him comply with Erasmus's persuasions to go to England. In his journey he stayed some days at Strasburg, where it is said he applied to a very great painter for work, who took him in, and ordered him to give a specimen of his skill. On which Holbein finished a piece with great care, and painted a fly on the most eminent part of it; after which he privately withdrew in the absence of his master, and purified his journey, without saying anything to any body. When the painter returned home, he was astonished at the beauty and elegance of the drawing; and especially at the fly, which he at first took for a real one, and endeavoured to remove it with his hand. He now sent all over the city for his journeyman; and after many inquiries, discovered that he had been thus deceived by the famous Holbein.—Holbein having in a manner begged his way to England, presented a letter of recommendation from Erasmus to Sir Thomas More, and also showed him Erasmus's picture. Sir Thomas, who was then lord-chancellor, received him with all the joy imaginable, and kept him in his house between two and three years; in which time he drew Sir Thomas's picture, and those of many of his relations and friends. Holbein one day happening to mention a nobleman who had some years before invited him to England, Sir Thomas was very solicitous to know who it was. Holbein said that he had forgot his title, but remembered his face so well, that he believed he could draw his likeness; which he did so perfectly, that the nobleman, it is said, was immediately known by it. The chancellor having now adorned his apartments with the productions of this great painter, resolved to introduce him to Henry VIII. For this purpose he invited that prince to an entertainment; having, before he came, hung up all Holbein's pieces in the great hall, in the best order, and placed in the best light. The king, on his first entrance into this room, was so charmed with the sight, that he asked whether such an artist was now alive, and to be had for money? Upon this, Sir Thomas presented Holbein to his majesty, who immediately took him into his service, and brought him into great esteem with the nobility and gentry, by which means he drew a vast number of portraits. But while he was here, there happened an affair which might have proved fatal to him, had he not been protected by the king. On the report of this painter's character, a lord of the first quality came to see him when he was drawing a figure after the life. Holbein sent to desire his lordship to defer the honour of his visit to another day; which the nobleman taking for an affront, broke open the door, and very rudely went upstairs. Holbein hearing a noise, came out of his chamber; and meeting the lord at his door, fell into a violent passion, and pulled him backwards from the top of the stairs to the bottom. However, immediately reflecting on what he had done, he escaped from the tumult he had raised, and made the best of his way to the king. The nobleman, much hurt, though not so much as he pretended, was there soon after him; and upon opening his grievance, the king ordered Holbein to ask his pardon. But this only irritated the nobleman the more, who would not be satisfied with less than his life; upon which the king sternly replied, "My lord, you have not now to do with Holbein but with me; whatever punishment you may contrive by way of revenge against him, shall certainly be inflicted on yourself. Remember, pray, my lord, that I can whenever I please make seven lords of seven ploughmen, but I cannot make one Holbein of even seven lords." Holbein died of the plague at his lodgings at Whitehall in 1554. "It is amazing (says De Piles), that a man born in Switzerland, and who had never been in Italy, should have so good a gusto, and so fine a genius for painting." He painted alike in every manner; in fresco, in water-colours, in oil, and in miniature. His genius was sufficiently shewn in the historical style, by two celebrated compositions which he painted in the hall of the Stillyard company. He was also eminent for a rich vein of invention, which he shewed in a multitude of designs which he drew for engravers, statuaries, jewellers, &c. and he had this singularity, that he painted with his left hand.