Oriental Head (believed to be a Self-Portrait)
Artist: Israhel van Meckenem the Younger (German, ca. 1440-1503)
Date: about 1500
Dimensions:
8 x 5 in.
Medium: Engraving
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Object number: 1950.4
DescriptionIsrahel van Meckenem
German, 1447–1503
ORIENTAL HEAD
Engraving on paper, late 15th century
Museum Purchase, 1950.4
This is believed to be a self-portrait. Like most early engravers, Van Meckenem was trained as a goldsmith. He is also the first Northern Renaissance printmaker to sign his full name, rather than use initials or symbols. You can see the pride he took in his work by the spiky calligraphy of his name after which he declares his profession – goldsmith. Goldsmiths were considered the elite among craftsmen at the time.
German, 1447–1503
ORIENTAL HEAD
Engraving on paper, late 15th century
Museum Purchase, 1950.4
This is believed to be a self-portrait. Like most early engravers, Van Meckenem was trained as a goldsmith. He is also the first Northern Renaissance printmaker to sign his full name, rather than use initials or symbols. You can see the pride he took in his work by the spiky calligraphy of his name after which he declares his profession – goldsmith. Goldsmiths were considered the elite among craftsmen at the time.
Not on view
In Collection(s)