Han Holbein the Younger: The Three Portraits of Erasmus

"Portrait of Erasmus Writing" on paper
by Hans Holbein the Younger

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam was a renowned humanist scholar and theologian. He moved in 1521 to Basel, where Hans Holbein the Younger lived and had his workshop. Such was the fame of Erasmus, who corresponded with scholars throughout Europe, that he needed many portraits of himself to send abroad to his protectors; although not an admirer of painting, he understood the power of image. Although other painters had done his portrait, including Durer, it was Holbein's images that were endlessly copied. Of the work Erasmus wrote in 1524 that he had sent two portraits to England painted by a very skillful artist.'

Holbein painted three main portraits of Erasmus. The first was done on paper so that it would be easy to carry. This kind of work was taken to show prospective clients, and in this case Holbein took it to France to try and gain the patronage of the king, Francis I, who had been desirous of bringing the scholar to France. Erasmus is shown writing the opening words of his commentary on the Gospel of St. Mark, which he had dedicated to Francis I. Later on the picture was sold for two gold crowns and mounted on wood, framed and glazed. It now hangs in the Kunstmuseum in Basle.

"Portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam Writing"
by Hans Holbein the Younger

The second portrait, also done in 1523, again depicts Erasmus writing a text, but in this the letters are scarcely legible, and it is painted on wood. This may have been one of the pictures which had been sent to England. It now hangs in the Louvre in Paris. 

"Portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam"
by Hans Holbein the Younger

The third, which now hangs in the National Gallery in London, was painted in 1523 as well. It was gifted by Erasmus to his good friend and patron William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury, to thank him for his support and as something to remember him by. This shows him not as an author at work but one who has completed his task. The writing on the front of the book says in Greek "the labors of Hercules," visually indicating that Erasmus had mastered unheard-of tasks through his superhuman effort and remarkable dedication to his work.  

To be continued

(Information from Wikipedia and "Hans Holbein" by Stephanie Buck.)