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 dynamic artists’ paradise was a magnet for talented people, including the Swiss-German draughtsman, printmaker, and engraver Jost Amman (1539–1591). 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. As Amman himself states on the title page, it was intended to help the upcoming generation of artists to “learn to sketch and paint.” The 156 woodcuts also provide a unique insight into the everyday culture and technologies of the time, making it also 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 (1539–1591) 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 general public, but rather as an inspiring 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:

Detail Picture

Book of Art and Instruction for Young People by Jost Amman

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

Jost Amman lived at a time when the so-called Little Ice Age was approaching its frosty peak (or rather, its low point). This global cold period also affected Central Europe, leading to cold winters with plenty of snow and ice. These climatic conditions were indirectly reflected in art as well: white winter landscapes, people ice skating, and sleighs are particularly enchanting today, in an era of global warming. The richly dressed couple in this woodcut is traveling in a sleigh appropriate to their status, featuring opulent carvings and pulled by a horse with an equally splendid harness.

Single Page

Book of Art and Instruction for Young People by Jost Amman

Judith and Her Handmaid with the Head of Holofernes

Judith is undoubtedly one of the best-known figures of the Old Testament. Her cunning murder of Holofernes, the commander-in-chief of the Assyrian army, to save the Israelites has been depicted hundreds of times in the history of Christian art. Amman depicts Judith and her handmaid placing Holofernes’ head—already detached from his body—into the bag they brought with them to smuggle it secretly out of the Assyrian camp. Although the scene actually takes place in Holofernes’ tent, two pyramids serve as the background, thereby situating the event in a “distant land” beyond the Mediterranean Sea.

Amman also placed great emphasis on portraying Judith’s beauty—which is also emphasized in the biblical text—according to his own ideas, shaped by the beauty ideals of the Renaissance. Judith’s body is tall and muscular; her posture is proud and powerful. Her light robe and her hair are blowing dramatically in the wind. With her head and arm adornments, she appears almost like a goddess from ancient mythology.

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!

Formerly 580 €

Special Offer until 07/31/2026 (like new) 299 €

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