Portret van Hans Holbein (II) 1624 - 1679

Lucas Vorsterman I created this engraving, “Portret van Hans Holbein (II),” in the 17th century. Vorsterman, working in the politically fraught environment of the Dutch Golden Age, immortalizes Holbein, an artist who had lived a century before. This portrait captures Holbein at 45, a moment where he was celebrated as a royal painter in England. Holbein’s identity as a court artist is clearly expressed through the Latin inscription, which praises him as a painter favored by Erasmus. The fine lines of the engraving capture the textures of Holbein’s beard and the soft fabric of his cap, creating a sense of intimacy. This image reflects the cultural values of Vorsterman’s time, looking back to the Renaissance for artistic inspiration while creating a sense of historical continuity and national pride. The inscription reinforces the idea of artistic legacy, suggesting that Holbein's reputation would endure through time. The artwork then is not only a portrait but also a statement about art's capacity to transcend mortality.