To welcome back so distinguished an adopted son, the Swiss city of Basel just about knocked itself out that autumn day in 1538. Twelve years before. Hans Holbein the Younger had quit the town to seek richer rewards elsewhere. Now, dressed in the finest silk and velvet, he was court painter to King Henry VIII of England; his name was known throughout Europe, and Basel was ready to shower him with honors and commissions to lure him back permanently. The city failed, but it has cherished Holbein as its own ever since. This summer,...
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