Objekt 2121
Portrayal for eternity
Description
Thanks to the university and the presence of paper mills and printers in
the city since the 15th century, Basel became a centre of learning and humanism.
The famous humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam, who corresponded
with emperors, popes, princes and reformers alike, moved to Basel because
of its excellent printers, in order to publish his writings. As part of his web
of contacts throughout Europe, he also sent medals bearing his portrait to
friends and patrons.
Object description
Medal with Erasmus von Rotterdam (1466/1469–1536) from the grave in Basel Münster
inscription: THN KPEITTΩ TA ΣYΓΓPAMMATA ΔEIΞEI : IMAGO AD VIVA[M] EFFIGIE[M] EXPRESSA. The written words will show a better picture – portrayal based on the living subject
manufacturer: Quentin Massys (around 1465–1530)
draft 1519, casting c. 1524
white bronze
site, delivered by Archäologische Bodenforschung Base-Stadt
Inv. 1974/A.390.