The artwork titled “Portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam Writing” was created by Hans Holbein the Younger in 1523 in Germany. It belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and is a portrait genre. The dimensions of the artwork are 37 x 30 cm.
The artwork depicts a profile portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam engaged in the act of writing. He is adorned in a dark, fur-trimmed robe and a black cap, emphasizing his scholarly demeanor. The background is a muted green, providing a subtle backdrop that directs attention to the figure. Erasmus is shown holding a quill pen with his right hand, deeply focused on the manuscript before him, indicating his dedication to his literary pursuits. The details of his hands and face are meticulously rendered, showcasing Holbein’s attention to realism and texture. The composition captures a moment of introspective concentration, highlighting Erasmus’s intellectual environment.