Memory Copy of Holbein's Erasmus
Alphonse Legros
Artist, French, 1837 - 1911
Artwork overview
-
Medium
oil on wood
-
Credit Line
Gift of George Matthew Adams in memory of his mother, Lydia Havens Adams
-
Dimensions
overall: 28.3 x 22.5 cm (11 1/8 x 8 7/8 in.)
framed: 44.5 x 39.4 x 4.4 cm (17 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 1 3/4 in.) -
Accession Number
1956.14.1
Artwork history & notes
Provenance
Painted 7 January 1861 for Edwin [1823-1879] and E. Ruth Edwards, Sundbury, England;[1] John Postle Heseltine [1843-1929], London; (his estate sale, Sotheby's, London, 27 May 1935, no. 61). George Matthew Adams (1878-1962), New York; gift 1956 to NGA.
[1] A handwritten note composed 6 September 1880 by Ruth Edwards to J.P. Heseltine, pasted to the back of the painting, reads "This portrait was painted by Alphonse Legros while staying with us at Thames bank house, Sunbury, on the occasion of his visit to England. Sunday, January 6th 1861. Legros went with the Master to see the pictures at
Hampton Court. The following day, Legros talking of the Hampton Court Holbeins said 'I will show what the Erasmus is at the Louvre' took up this panel, lying near at hand, and
in a very few minutes painted this portrait from memory--". The note then quotes from Edwin Edward's journal: "Monday January 7th 1861. 'Legros painted for me to day from memory a copy of Holbein’s Erasmus in the Louvre a famous portrait to hang in my Library.'"
Associated Names
Bibliography
1965
Summary Catalogue of European Paintings and Sculpture. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1965: 74.
1968
National Gallery of Art. European Paintings and Sculpture, Illustrations. Washington, 1968: 64, repro.
1975
European Paintings: An Illustrated Summary Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1975: 192, repro.
1985
European Paintings: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1985: 224, repro.
Wikidata ID
Q20186227