Erasmus Sarcerus 1565

This woodcut portrait of Erasmus Sarcerus, created by Balthasar Jenichen in 1565, shows the subject in profile, wearing a cap and a long robe, looking to the right. It is a small work, measuring 86 mm high and 79 mm wide. The piece is currently housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen, Denmark. The image is part of a larger work with additional text surrounding the portrait, offering biographical information about Sarcerus and highlighting his role in the Reformation. The image offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the 16th century, a period marked by religious reform and change. The woodcut is a testament to the artistry and detail that characterized the early printing era, a time when art and text were combined to convey knowledge and ideas.