On loan from Longford Castle collection, © Longford Castle Collection

Erasmus (1466/9 - 1536) was one of the most famous writers of his day and one of the most admired humanist scholars. In this portrait the artist has tried to surround the sitter with items which reflect his interests and profession. This idea was developed further in Holbein's 'The Ambassadors'. A Latin couplet on the book on the back shelf, perhaps by Erasmus himself, praises Holbein's skill: 'I am Johannes (i.e. Hans) Holbein, whom it is easier to denigrate than to emulate.'

This painting is not available for reproduction

If this text remains on screen after the page has loaded, please install Adobe Flash and enable Javascript.

From The National Gallery Podcast: Episode Forty Eight, October 2010

Further information

Essentials

 
  • Share
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN