Portrait of Nicholas Kratzer (1528; Germany) by Hans Holbein the Younger

Portrait of Nicholas Kratzer - Hans Holbein the Younger - 1528; Germany

Artwork Information

TitlePortrait of Nicholas Kratzer
ArtistHans Holbein the Younger
Date1528; Germany
Mediumoil,panel
Dimensions67 x 83 cm
Art MovementNorthern Renaissance
Current LocationLouvre, Paris, France

About Portrait of Nicholas Kratzer

The artwork titled “Portrait of Nicholas Kratzer,” created by Hans Holbein the Younger in 1528 in Germany, is executed in oil on panel. This piece, measuring 67 x 83 cm, is a significant example of the Northern Renaissance art movement and belongs to the portrait genre. Currently, the artwork is housed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

The portrait depicts Nicholas Kratzer, a mathematician and astronomer, in a meticulously detailed and realistic manner, characteristic of Holbein’s skill. Kratzer is portrayed seated at a table, holding a wooden polyhedral sundial, a device representative of his profession. Surrounding him are various mathematical instruments, including a quadrant and other geometric tools, which emphasize his scholarly pursuits. The background of the artwork is relatively sparse, drawing the viewer’s attention to Kratzer’s focused expression and the finely rendered objects associated with his work. The muted color palette and the precise handling of light and shadow further enhance the lifelike quality of the portrait, making it a notable example of Northern Renaissance portraiture.

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