Bolikana and Markolfus

early 16th century; printed 1684

Daniel Hopfer

Associated Names
Daniel Hopfer

Artist, German, c. 1470 - 1536

David Funck

Publisher, German, 1642 - 1709

The image shows two full-length figures, positioned side by side, with partly turned bodies as if in movement. The figure on the left has a rounded face, prominent lips, and a wide nose, adorned with a leafy crown in their hair. This person is dressed in a layered garment with a visible purse hanging from their waist and chains draped around their upper body. The figure on the right has a pudgy face, a prominent nose, and facial stubble, with a bird perched on their head, which sits atop a tangled nest of branches in their hair. This person wears a belted tunic with various circular decorations and long pants that tuck into their shoes. Both figures have expressive postures; the figure on the left leans forward, while the figure on the right has an upward gesture with their hand. The background shows a simple ground with sparse grass and a solitary flower sprouting from the earth. The image's upper portion has text with the names "BOLIKANA" and "MARKOLFVS" separated by initials "D H," and the artist's monogram "SF" is in the lower-right corner.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 23.7 × 22.2 cm (9 5/16 × 8 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1979.48.7

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 81, State ii/iv


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2000

  • The Fantastic in Renaissance Prints and Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2000.

2018

  • Sense of Humor: Caricature, Satire, and the Comical in Prints and Drawings from Leonardo to the Present, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2018 - 2019.

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. Amsterdam: A.L. van Gendt, 1986; Vol. XV, 81, ii/iv.

2009

  • Metzger, Christof. Daniel Hopfer: ein Augsburger Meister der Renaissance : Eisenradierungen, Holzschnitte, Zeichnungen, Waffenätzungen. München: Staatliche Graphische Sammlung; Berlin: Deutscher Kunstverlag, 2009, no. 86, iii/iv.

Wikidata ID

Q65565360

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