Artist: Hans Holbein the Younger (Germany, 1497/8 - 1543) is considered one of the greatest portraitists of the 16th century. He also produced religious art, satire, and Reformation propaganda, and he made a significant contribution to the history of book design. Holbein made ink drawings to margins of the personal copy of 1515/16 edition of 'The Praise of Folly' by Desiderius Erasmus.
Engraver: possibly, Heitz (signed Heit). There are identical engravings in our collection (i.e. WOP-735/WB-3) from the same edition also signed by Heitz.
Title: Two Women Dedicating Candles Before an Image of the Virgin. The illustration from 'The Praise of Folly' by Desiderius Erasmus.
Titled, Dated, and Signed in plate: Heit[z?].
Dimensions: Sheet 3 3/8" x 2 1/4".
Publisher: possibly, Johann Gottlieb Friedrich Unger.
Date: Late XVIII C.
Materials and Techniques: woodcut on paper, pasted to support paper sheet.
Provenance:
- The Estate of George "Yorgo" Demetrakopoulos; professor, assistant director of the Medieval Institute, and assistant to the dean at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, from 1965-2000.
Condition: Laid down. The signs of aging are appropriate for the time. A detailed condition report is available on demand.
Art Movements, Periods & Schools: German School XVI C. German School XVIII C.
Note: This entry incorporates text from Wikipedia and the catalog entry of a similar item from the British Museum collection.