Master of the Housebook

Housebook Master
Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet
German, active c. 1470 - 1500

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This is a drawing featuring two figures engaged in physical interaction in an outdoor setting. The sketch shows the two individuals entangled in a complex physical exchange, with various personal items like a hat, a stick, and a coat scattered on the ground around them. The background includes a simple landscape with grass and a rock or low hill. The illustration is done in a style characterized by detailed linework that conveys texture and movement.
Master of the Housebook, Two Peasants Fighting, c. 1475/1480, drypoint, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.9077

Two Peasants Fighting

Master of the Housebook · c. 1475/1480 · drypoint ·  Accession ID  1943.3.9077
The image depicts a person from the waist up, sitting with arms crossed over their chest. The person has a simple, outlined face with a slightly somber expression, draped in layers of clothing - a blue robe with a lighter inner garment and a headdress covering their hair completely. The clothing is ornate and patterned with red and blue accents, possibly resembling traditional religious attire. No visible jewelry, accessories, or objects are held. A halo surrounds the person's head, suggesting religious importance. The background is plain, with abstract blue swirls on a golden-brown canvas.
Master of the Housebook, German 15th Century, The Virgin in the Clouds, c. 1470/1480, woodcut, hand-colored in blue, red, orange, and gold, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.9103

The Virgin in the Clouds

Master of the Housebook, German 15th Century · c. 1470/1480 · woodcut, hand-colored in blue, red, orange, and gold ·  Accession ID  1943.3.9103
The image shows two seated individuals on a bench within an archway setting. The first individual is dressed in a long-sleeved top, shorts, and pointed shoes, with long, curly hair under a round cap. The second individual wears a long dress and a head covering, with hair hidden. They are holding a small furry animal. Nearby, there is a potted plant, an ornate basin, and decorative vines forming an archway. In the background, there is a round emblem with insignia.
Israhel van Meckenem, The Lovers, c. 1490, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.155

The Lovers

Israhel van Meckenem · c. 1490 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1943.3.155
The image depicts two individuals seated on a bench. The person on the left is a woman dressed in a long gown with long sleeves and a high neckline. She wears a turban-like headpiece, and her eyes are closed. Her hands hold a small animal. The person on the right is a man sitting barefoot with one leg crossed over the other. He wears a loose shirt and a hat with feathers. He has wavy hair falling to his shoulders. There is an ornate arch above them. To the left, there is a potted plant with flowers beside the woman. On the ground in front of the bench, a small circular basin with a pitcher inside can be seen. The background is plain.
Wenzel von Olmutz, The Lovers, c. 1490, engraving on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.8324

The Lovers

Wenzel von Olmutz · c. 1490 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.8324
The image depicts a man and a woman standing facing each other. The man is on the left, carrying a stick over his shoulder with a sack. He wears a headpiece and his clothing consists of a belted tunic and trousers. He carries a knife on his belt. The woman stands on the right, wearing a headscarf and a long dress with a cinched waist. She holds a duck or goose under her arm. The background shows a simple, grass-like landscape with a plain border framing the composition.
Wenzel von Olmutz, Farmer and Wife with Goose, c. 1490, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.8325

Farmer and Wife with Goose

Wenzel von Olmutz · c. 1490 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1943.3.8325
The image depicts two figures positioned close to each other. The figure on the left has curly hair, prominent cheekbones, and a furrowed brow, wearing a flowing garment with a high collar. The person on the right has a serene expression, softly arched eyebrows, and a gentle demeanor, with intricate knotted hair adorned with a leafy or floral crown and wearing a fitted dress. The figure on the left holds a plate with something round on it, while the figure on the right rests their hands under it. The background features an engraved design with scrolls and illegible script or ornamentation.
Israhel van Meckenem, The Foolish Old Man and the Young Girl, c. 1480/1490, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.154

The Foolish Old Man and the Young Girl

Israhel van Meckenem · c. 1480/1490 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1943.3.154
This is a drawing of a heraldic design with whimsical figures and intricate scrollwork. The design features a large shield or crest with elaborate patterns. Atop the shield, two exaggerated figures are depicted in a playful scene. One figure holds a staff with an ornamental object at the end. Inside the shield is an upside-down figure with curly hair. The drawing showcases attention to detail, texture, shading, and a playful exploration of form and content within the heraldic tradition.
Israhel van Meckenem, Coat of Arms with Tumbling Boy, c. 1480/1490, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.166

Coat of Arms with Tumbling Boy

Israhel van Meckenem · c. 1480/1490 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1943.3.166
The image shows two figures, one carrying the other on their back. The person in the front has long, wavy hair and is using a long wooden staff to move through water. They wear a loose knee-length tunic with a belt. The person in the back seems to be a child with short, curly hair and a halo-like glow around their head. The child holds a globe topped with a cross in one hand and has a serene expression. Draped fabric swirls around them both, and in the background, there are rocky formations, sparse foliage, and ducks swimming on the water.
Israhel van Meckenem, Saint Christopher, c. 1480/1490, engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1946.21.143

Saint Christopher

Israhel van Meckenem · c. 1480/1490 · engraving ·  Accession ID  1946.21.143