Kopieën naar Holbein's bijbelillustraties voor de Biblia Utriusque Testamenti

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

This delicate set of anonymous copies, titled *Kopieën naar Holbein's bijbelillustraties voor de Biblia Utriusque Testamenti* (Copies after Holbein's Bible Illustrations for the Bible of Both Testaments), dates to 1552 and pays homage to the renowned woodcuts of Hans Holbein the Younger. Holbein, a master of the Northern Renaissance, created these iconic illustrations in the 1520s–1530s for printed Bibles, blending precise line work with dramatic shading to vividly depict Old and New Testament scenes. His designs, influenced by the Protestant Reformation, made sacred stories accessible to everyday readers, transforming complex theology into compelling visual narratives. Crafted on paper in a modest 60mm × 85mm format, these miniature reproductions highlight the enduring appeal of Holbein's style—characterized by intricate details, expressive figures, and moral intensity. As hand-copied works by an unknown artist, they reflect the Renaissance practice of emulation, where admirers preserved and studied masterpieces through manual replication, often for personal collections or teaching. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 240, this piece underscores its prized status among connoisseurs, linking it to a rich provenance. In our virtual museum, it invites reflection on how art bridged faith and culture during a transformative era.