Portret van Sebastian Brant by Cornelis Galle I

Portret van Sebastian Brant c. 1597 - 1599

pencil drawn

aged paper

toned paper

light pencil work

pencil sketch

old engraving style

personal sketchbook

pen-ink sketch

sketchbook drawing

pencil work

This engraving by Cornelis Galle I, dated c. 1597-1599, depicts Sebastian Brant, a German humanist and author known for his satirical work "Das Narrenschiff" (The Ship of Fools). The portrait, housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases Brant in a profile view, holding a book, with ornate clothing and a fur-trimmed cap. The inscription at the bottom reveals Brant's birth and death dates, highlighting the detail and historical significance of the artwork. This small but powerful engraving is a testament to Galle's skill in capturing the essence of a prominent historical figure.