Erasmus of Rotterdam

Erasmus of Rotterdam at the Metropolitan Museum, painted around 1532, is one of several portraits Holbein made of his great humanist patron. Erasmus's international fame meant that his portrait was in constant demand across Europe. Erasmus recognized Holbein's genius early, providing him with letters of introduction when Holbein first traveled to England in 1526, establishing a patronage relationship that was crucial to the painter's international career.

The scholar is depicted with Holbein's meticulous technique, every detail of face and hands observed with analytical precision. The dark costume against the neutral background concentrates attention on Erasmus's intellectual presence.