Hans Holbein the Elder

Holbein, Hans the Elder

German, c. 1465 - 1524

Explore selected works

See all 19 works of art
The image shows a sketch of a man's head and shoulders. The man is facing forward, with long hair, a bushy beard reaching his chest, deep-set eyes, a straight nose, and slightly pursed lips. The hair is wavy and slightly unkempt. There are no visible items of clothing or jewelry. The sketch is done on textured paper, giving the background an aged, rustic appearance, with faint pencil strokes framing the figure.
Hans Holbein the Elder, Study of a Bearded Man [verso], c. 1508/1510, silverpoint and charcoal heightened with white on white prepared paper, Woodner Collection, 1991.182.18.b

Study of a Bearded Man [verso]

Hans Holbein the Elder · c. 1508/1510 · silverpoint and charcoal heightened with white on white prepared paper ·  Accession ID  1991.182.18.b

Shown from the chest up, a woman’s body faces us as she looks slightly off to our left in this vertical drawing. Her face and features are shaded in detail with white highlights that suggest pale skin. She has round eyes with heavy lids under lightly raised brows, a straight nose, and full lips in an oval-shaped face. Her headdress wraps around her neck and head and falls over her shoulders. She is enclosed by a drawn frame with rounded corners at the top and a curved bottom. The artist’s initials are partially visible within the frame near the lower right, “H.H.” Ink writing was added to a few areas of the drawing or has transferred from another page to this image.
Hans Holbein the Elder, Portrait of a Woman [recto], c. 1508, silverpoint with brush and black and brown ink over charcoal and leadpoint, heightened with white on white prepared paper, Woodner Collection, 1991.182.18.a

Portrait of a Woman [recto]

Hans Holbein the Elder · c. 1508 · silverpoint with brush and black and brown ink over charcoal and leadpoint, heightened with white on white prepared paper ·  Accession ID  1991.182.18.a

The engraving depicts a bust-length portrait of Thomas Cromwell. He is seated, facing slightly left with a serious expression. His features include a prominent nose, deep-set eyes, and a stern mouth. He wears a soft cap and a fur-lined cloak. He holds a ring in one hand and rests his hands together in front. The background is a dark pattern, and there is a table in front of him with a closed book, papers, a quill, and an inkpot. The image includes a label with his name above his head and text below detailing his titles and significant life events.
John Fillian, Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, 1653, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1951.11.774

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex

John Fillian · 1653 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1951.11.774

The image is an illustration showing a man from the waist up in profile, looking to the right. The man has distinct facial features, a long nose, sharp features, and visible wavy hair on the side of his face. He wears a dark hat covering most of his hair, which is slightly curled and of medium length. He wears a dark, fur-lined robe with a tassel at the front. The background has horizontal lines. At the bottom, there is text in Dutch.
Hendrick Bary, Desiderius Erasmus, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1950.14.431

Desiderius Erasmus

Hendrick Bary · · engraving ·  Accession ID  1950.14.431

The image depicts a man from the chest up, facing forward with a slight turn of the head. He has deep-set eyes and prominent facial lines, wears a cap, robe with a fur collar, and a tunic with vertical pleats. The background features an archway design with a wooden texture pattern. An inscription below the portrait includes Latin text and the names "IOANNES FISCHER" and "H. Holbein."
Frans van den Wyngaerde, John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1950.14.468

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester

Frans van den Wyngaerde · · engraving ·  Accession ID  1950.14.468

The image displays the upper body of a seated man turned slightly left. His hands are resting on a surface in front of him. The man has a straight nose and a strong jawline, with short, wavy, light-colored hair under a cap. He wears dark, heavy clothing, possibly a cloak or robe edged with fur. On the table are various objects, including an ornate box, scrolls, and papers. The man is holding an object in his left hand, and wearing a ring on one finger. The background is a wooden panel, with an inscription under the table mentioning Sir Thomas Cromwell Knight.
Wenceslaus Hollar, Sir Thomas Cromwell, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1951.11.620

Sir Thomas Cromwell

Wenceslaus Hollar · · engraving ·  Accession ID  1951.11.620

The image depicts a man in an upper body portrait, facing slightly to the viewer's right, holding a staff in each hand. He has a long face with a solemn expression, short, wavy hair, and a large hat. He wears a richly decorated garment with a broad, ornate fur collar and a garment clasp across his chest. He has a chain with a decorative medallion around his neck. The background has a textured, cross-hatched pattern.
Lucas Emil Vorsterman, Thomas Howard, Third Duke of Norfolk, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1951.11.499

Thomas Howard, Third Duke of Norfolk

Lucas Emil Vorsterman · · engraving ·  Accession ID  1951.11.499

The image depicts an interior scene with a ceremonial event. The composition is split into two parts: the foreground shows figures in elaborate garments engaged in a ritual, while the background features a grand architectural setting with columns, a platform, an altar, candles, and figures in the distance. The scene conveys a formal and ceremonial atmosphere.
Israhel van Meckenem, The Marriage of the Virgin, c. 1490/1500, engraving on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.107

The Marriage of the Virgin

Israhel van Meckenem · c. 1490/1500 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.107

This is a drawing of a religious scene with multiple figures and architectural elements. The drawing features several figures in elaborate robes and headgear inside a detailed interior space. In the foreground, two dogs play. Behind the figures, there is a depiction of a biblical scene with a shepherd, an angel, and sheep. The background architecture includes columns and decorative elements, with the inclusion of a table with coins and a book. The composition is created in a detailed monochrome line style.
Israhel van Meckenem, Joachim's Sacrifice, c. 1490/1500, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1964.8.1276

Joachim's Sacrifice

Israhel van Meckenem · c. 1490/1500 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1964.8.1276

This is a drawing of an interior scene with various figures engaged in domestic activities. The drawing showcases a room with a bed in the foreground, on which an infant is held by a seated figure. Several vessels are positioned near a wooden tub that rests on the ground. A figure stands adjacent to a table, appearing to pour liquid from a jug into another container. Beyond the figures, an architectural scene unfolds in the background with a couple engaging on a staircase that leads outside, hinting at an exterior with a fence and tree. The drawing is characterized by intricate line work and hatching that conveys texture and depth. This composition captures a moment of household activity, combining elements of care, domestic chores, and interaction.
Israhel van Meckenem, The Birth of the Virgin, c. 1490/1500, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.106

The Birth of the Virgin

Israhel van Meckenem · c. 1490/1500 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1943.3.106