Double Portrait of Israhel van Meckenem and His Wife Ida c. 1490

This engraving, created around 1490, depicts a double portrait of Israhel van Meckenem and his wife Ida. Created by the artist himself, it provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of a prominent artist and his wife in 15th century Germany. The detailed and realistic portrayal of their faces, framed by their headwear, conveys a sense of both individuality and shared intimacy. The inscription below the image identifies the subjects and reinforces the personal nature of this work. This engraving is an excellent example of the burgeoning portraiture genre of the late medieval and early Renaissance periods.