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Portrait of a Member of the Wedigh Family, Probably Hermann Wedigh (died 1560), 1532
Hans Holbein the Younger (German, 1497/98–1543)
Oil on wood; 16 5/8 x 12 3/4 in. (42.2 x 32.4 cm), with added strip of 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) at bottom
Bequest of Edward S. Harkness, 1940 (50.135.4)

The sitter's ring displays the arms of the Wedighs of Cologne. He has sometimes been identified as Hermann Wedigh III, a merchant and member of the Hanseatic trading company in London. The quote from Terence on the sheet of paper was popular among humanists. The penetrating gaze and meticulous technique are characteristic of Holbein's work at its best.


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    Portrait of a Member of the Wedigh Family, Probably Hermann Wedigh (died 1560), 1532
    Hans Holbein the Younger (German, 1497/98–1543)
    Oil on wood; 16 5/8 x 12 3/4 in. (42.2 x 32.4 cm), with added strip of 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) at bottom
    Bequest of Edward S. Harkness, 1940 (50.135.4)