469 - R. HOUSTON (*1721) after HOLBEIN (*1497), Portrait of Erasmus, mezzotint

R. HOUSTON (*1721) after HOLBEIN (*1497), Portrait of Erasmus, mezzotint Richard Houston (1721–1775) after Hans Holbein the Younger (1497, Augsburg–1543, London): Portrait of Erasmus. Portrait of Desiderius Erasmus in a fur coat, 18th century, mezzotint Technique: Mezzotint on paper Date: 18th century Description: Half-length portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam in three-quarter profile facing left, wearing a fur coat and a scholar’s cap, his hands folded in front of him. The depiction is based on the famous portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger, which is considered one of the world’s best-known and most frequently published portraits of the humanist and has achieved iconic status. Person: Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466 Rotterdam – 1536 Basel) Keywords: Humanism, 18th century, Renaissance, Portraits, United Kingdom, Size: Paper: 26.1 cm x 20.7 cm (10.3 x 8.1 in), Image: 25.4 cm x 20.4 cm (10 x 8 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. Discolored due to age and with stains, which are, however, less noticeable on the dark-colored surface. A crease above the lower left corner of the sheet; margins narrowly trimmed; the right margin is irregular. The print remains clear and rich in contrast overall.