De wijze man en de wijze vrouw

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

Cornelis Anthonisz.ca. 1500–1550), a pioneering Dutch artist from Haarlem, created *De wijze man en de vrouw* (The Wise Man and the Wise Woman) between1540 and 1545. This intimate drawing on paper, measuring 290 × 263 mm, exemplifies Northern Renaissance's emphasis on detailed graphic works. Anthonisz., known for his satirical prints, portraits, and moralistic scenes, bridged medieval traditions with emerging humanist themes, often using prints and drawings to comment on society. The title evokes proverbial wisdom, a staple of 16th-century Netherlandish art, where couples embodied virtues or follies through everyday gestures. Rendered on paper—a medium favored for its affordability and portability—this piece likely served as a study or standalone moral emblem, reflecting the era's fascination with didactic imagery amid religious and social upheavals like the Reformation. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 240 (attributed to 17th-century Dutch collector Jan Pietersz. Zoomer), it highlights the artwork's enduring appeal among connoisseurs. Today, it offers a window into early Dutch draftsmanship, showcasing Anthonisz.'s precise linework and narrative flair in a compact format perfect for contemplation.

About the Artist

Cornelis Anthonisz. · 1495–1553

Netherlandish painter, etcher, and designer of woodcuts; he also worked as a cartographer for Emperor Charles V; one of his most well-known works is the group portrait, 'The Civic Guard' of 1533.