Oriental Head (believed to be a Self-Portrait)

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Oriental Head (believed to be a Self-Portrait)

Artist Israhel van Meckenem the Younger (German, ca. 1440-1503)

Dateabout 1500

Dimensions8 x 5 in.

MediumEngraving

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number

1950.4

Not on View

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.

Published ReferencesBartsch VI, 2. Geisberg, 418. Lehrs, 515.Exhibition HistoryThe Passion and the Apocalypse: Albrecht Dürer's Renaissance, Oct 1,04 - Jan 2,05