Book of Art and Instruction for Young People by Jost Amman

Zürich-born Jost Amman (1539–91) moved to Nuremberg in 1560, where he became celebrated for his woodcuts
One of Amman’s pupils estimated that in a period of four years, the master produced ca. 1,500 prints
Amman’s art is distinguished by its accuracy and vivacity, depicting minute details of clothing in particular

Book of Art and Instruction for Young People by Jost Amman

E724 Herzog August Bibliothek (Wolfenbüttel, Germany)

Description

Book of Art and Instruction for Young People by Jost Amman

The Franconian city of Nuremberg was the most important city of the German Renaissance. This artists’ paradise was a magnet for talented people, including the Swiss-German draughtsman, printmaker, and engraver Jost Amman (1539–91). He had a reputation for being both extremely prolific while also possessing a great eye for detail. Created for young artists and published in 1580, the Book of Art and Instruction for Young People combines large woodcuts that are as precise as they are artistic with a wide range of subjects, making it an outstanding example of the connection between art and education in the 16th century. It also provides a unique insight into the everyday culture and technologies of the time, making it an significant cultural-historical testimony to the Renaissance in Germany.

Book of Art and Instruction for Young People by Jost Amman

Celebrated for his woodcuts, the Swiss-German artist Jost Amman (1539–91) was born in Zürich and spent his professional career in the bustling German Renaissance city of Nuremberg, where he moved and became a citizen in 1560. In Nuremberg, he worked with Virgil Solis (1514–62) a German draughtsman, printmaker, and engraver best known for the woodcuts he made to illustrate the works of Ovid (43 BC – AD 17/18). His art is distinguished by its accuracy and vivacity, depicting minute details of clothing in particular. Amman worked prolifically, with one of his pupils estimating that in a period of four years, the master had produced enough drawings to fill a hay wagon with ca. 1,500 prints being attributed to him altogether. The specimen at hand, published in 1580 is unique among the various books produced by Amman, because it was not intended for the public, but rather as a textbook for young artists and is filled with examples of his splendid engravings for them to aspire to.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Buch der Kunst und Anleitung für junge Mensche von Jost Amman
Jost Amman: Kunst- und Lehrbüchlein
Type: Printed book on paper
Size / Format: 142 pages / 16.0 x 13.0 cm
Origin: Germany
Date: 1580
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Renaissance
Genre: Treatises / Secular Books
Language: German
Illustrations: Numerous full-page woodcuts

Available facsimile editions:

Facsimile Editions

#1 Jost Amman: Kunst- und Lehrbüchlein

Müller & Schindler – Simbach am Inn, 1971

Publisher: Müller & Schindler – Simbach am Inn, 1971

Limited Edition: 1000 copies

Binding: Dark blue velvet binding

Commentary: 2 volumes by Ruth Mettler, Sigmund Feyerabend and Eric Quayle
Languages: English and German

Facsimile Copy Available!

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