Title page of Loci Communes, by Hans Holbein the Younger, published 1536

Title page of loci communes. Woodcut, 13. 5 × 8 cm, british library, london. Loci communes (common places), the first complete exposition of lutheran doctrine, was written by the theologian philipp melanchthon (1497–1560) in 1521. Holbein designed the title page of the 1535 edition at about the same time as he painted a roundel portrait of melanchthon. Holbein's ornamental lid for the painting shares motifs with this title page, including the same curved foliage and pipe-playing fauns (foister, 138). Henry viii owned this copy of the book. Date: published 1536.