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English SchoolErasmus of Rotterdam
$1,659.16
£1,200
€1,415.04
CA$2,296.84
A$2,490.45
CHF 1,321.65
MX$30,673.03
NOK 16,381.04
SEK 15,459.93
DKK 10,562.19
About the Item
Hans Holbein the Younger (1497/98 – 1543) was one of the greatest painters of the Northern Renaissance. Born in Augsburg, Germany, he was the son of Hans Holbein the Elder, also a painter. From a young age he was trained in draftsmanship, design, and panel painting.
Around 1515, Holbein moved to Basel, Switzerland, where he became connected with the circle of humanists, printers, and reformers. There he illustrated books, designed woodcuts, and painted both religious works and portraits. His friendship with leading scholars, especially Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, opened doors to a wide intellectual community. Holbein painted Erasmus several times, producing the enduring image of the great humanist.
In 1526, Holbein travelled to England, recommended by Erasmus. There, he became court painter to Henry VIII, creating some of the most iconic images of Tudor royalty. His famous portraits of Henry VIII, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and many others combined a striking realism with subtle psychological insight.
Holbein’s style was characterized by:
-Clarity of line and form
-Minute attention to detail (fabrics, jewels, textures)
-Psychological depth in portraiture
-Balanced compositions influenced by Italian Renaissance art
Holbein died in London in 1543, likely from plague. He left behind an artistic legacy as one of Europe’s greatest portraitists, whose works bridged German precision and Renaissance humanism.
Erasmus of Rotterdam (after Holbein)
In the 19th century, during a wave of renewed admiration for Renaissance masters, many artists produced copies or adaptations of Holbein’s portraits of Erasmus.
Format & Pose: Erasmus shown seated at a desk, absorbed in reading or writing. His hands hold a book, emphasizing his scholarly role.
He wears dark robes lined with fur, a scholar’s cap, and simple garments that reflect humanist modesty rather than luxury.
His long face, sharp nose, and slightly pursed lips suggest deep concentration, with a contemplative, almost austere look.
The background is plain, softly toned, directing attention to Erasmus himself rather than his surroundings.
19th-Century Touches: While the composition is faithful to Holbein, the brushwork are a little softer, with smoother surface, reflecting Victorian tastes for idealized finish.
Such a 19th-century painting of Erasmus was not only a tribute to Holbein’s mastery but also a reflection of how the 19th century revered the Renaissance as a golden age of learning and artistry. Erasmus, as the “Prince of Humanists,” was celebrated as a timeless figure of wisdom, and Holbein’s portraits became the canonical image through which the world remembered him.
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Height: 16.15 in (41 cm)Width: 12.01 in (30.5 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:GB
- Reference Number:Seller: b481stDibs: LU2841216894172
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