The artwork known as “Erasmus of Rotterdam,” created by Hans Holbein the Younger circa 1532 in Germany, is an oil on panel portrait emblematic of the Northern Renaissance art movement. Measuring 14.6 by 18.7 centimeters, this meticulously detailed piece is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
This portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam showcases the figure in a three-quarter profile view with a serene expression. The subject is adorned in dark, rich clothing accented with fur, conveying a sense of scholarly gravitas. The backdrop is a simple, muted blue, ensuring focus remains on the finely rendered features of Erasmus. The artist’s skill in capturing intricate details, such as the texture of the fur and the delicate modeling of the face, speaks to Holbein’s mastery and the broader Northern Renaissance emphasis on realism and individualism in portraiture.
