Self-Portrait of the Artist with his Wife, Ida

Currently not on view

Self-Portrait of the Artist with his Wife, Ida

c. 1495-1500

Israhel van Meckenem (German, 1440/45–1503)

Israhel's image of himself and his wife Ida is the first known engraved portrait of an artist and one of the first portrait engravings in the history of art. Ida is garbed in a fur-trimmed robe befitting the wife of a newly elected member of the town council, while he wears a merchant's cap. The most prolific engraver of his time displays his talent in the richly brocaded background. His pride in his accomplishments is proclaimed in the Latin inscription of his name in addition to his more usual monogram.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Self-Portrait of the Artist with his Wife, Ida

Date:

c. 1495-1500

Artist:

Israhel van Meckenem (German, 1440/45–1503)

Medium:

Engraving

Dimensions:

Sheet (cut within platemark): 5 1/4 × 7 1/16 inches (13.3 × 17.9 cm)

Classification:

Prints

Credit Line:

125th Anniversary Acquisition. Gift of Suzanne A. Rosenborg, 2002

Accession Number:

2002-59-1

Geography:

Made in Germany, Europe

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Currently not on view