The artwork, titled “Portrait of Desiderius Erasmus,” was created by Hans Holbein the Younger around the year 1530 in Germany. This portrait, measuring 33 by 25 centimeters and executed in oil on a wood panel, is an exemplar of the Northern Renaissance art movement. Currently, the portrait resides in the Parma National Gallery in Parma, Italy.
The artwork depicts Desiderius Erasmus, a noted figure of the Renaissance, in a contemplative pose with a book in his hands. His attire is characteristic of the period, featuring dark, voluminous garments and a hat. Holbein’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the rendering of Erasmus’s facial features and the textures of his clothing, enhancing the portrait’s realism. The background is a simple, muted tone, drawing attention to the subject’s expressive face and scholarly demeanor. The overall composition and execution reflect the precision and humanistic spirit typical of the Northern Renaissance.
