Portrait of Desiderius Erasmus

About the Portrait

This iconic portrait depicts Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536), a Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and theologian. He was a prominent scholar and a key figure in the Northern Renaissance, known for his critical editions of classical texts and his influential writings on religious reform and education.

The artist is widely believed to be Hans Holbein the Younger, a German painter renowned for his detailed and psychologically astute portraits. Holbein created several portraits of Erasmus, and this particular depiction captures the scholar's intellectual intensity and dignified presence.

Historical Context

Erasmus lived during a period of immense intellectual and religious ferment. His scholarship, particularly his Greek New Testament (Novum Instrumentum omne, 1516), challenged traditional interpretations and contributed to the intellectual climate that preceded the Protestant Reformation. While he remained a Catholic, his critiques of church practices and his advocacy for internal reform made him a controversial figure.

• Period: High Renaissance / Northern Renaissance
• Subject: Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam
• Artist: Attributed to Hans Holbein the Younger (or workshop)
• Date: c. 1526-1530
• Medium: Oil on panel