Quintet Bundle | The Holbein Alphabet: Danse Macabre Alphabet Magnets

The Tale

In the 16th century, the great Hans Holbein the Younger designed a series of initials that would become one of the most famous examples of Renaissance engraving. Known as the Danse Macabre, these letters depict Death—in the form of a skeleton—interrupting the lives of the high and the low alike. From the Pope to the Peasant, none are spared the dance. We have painstakingly reproduced these woodcut masterworks as substantial magnets, allowing you to spell out your own memento mori on any magnetic surface.

The Craft

We’ve preserved the stark, high-contrast linework of the original 1523 engravings, translated onto the warmth of natural wood.

The Design: Authentic Renaissance woodcuts by Hans Holbein the Younger. Each letter tells a unique story of the "Dance of Death."

The Alphabet: Note for the Scholarly. Following the Latin tradition of Holbein’s time, the letters U and J are absent from this set. As was common in the 16th century, the V serves as the U, and the I serves as the J.

The Material: Laser-etched from 1/8" Birch Plywood for a rigid, historical feel.

Dimensions: Each magnet is a substantial 2.0125" x 2.0125" square—large enough to appreciate the intricate details of the skeletons and their victims.

The Finish: Natural & Raw. The pale birch provides the perfect "parchment" backdrop for the dark, charred lines of the engraving.

The Back: Fitted with a strong magnet, ready to grace your refrigerator, filing cabinet, or magnetic board.

For the Historian & The Dark Academic

The Memento Mori Enthusiast: A sophisticated way to keep the philosophy of the "Great Equalizer" in your daily view.

The Art Historian’s Gift: A rare and thoughtful find for those who appreciate Northern Renaissance printmaking.

The Gothic Librarian: Perfect for labeling metal shelving or adding an academic edge to a home office.

📜 Curate Your Collection

Select your favorite initials to spell a name, a house motto, or a memento mori.

Single Relic: $8.00

The Triad (3 Magnets): $21.00 (Save $3)

The Quintet (5 Magnets): $32.00 (Save $8)

The Full Archive (24 Magnets): $145.00 (Our most prestigious collection—Save $47)