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Benedikt von Hertenstein (born about 1495, died 1522) by Hans Holbein the Younger

Hans Holbein the Younger · 1517-01-01

Hans Holbein the Younger’s *Benedikt von Hertenstein*, painted in 1517, holds the record as the most expensive work by the artist ever sold at auction, fetching over $10 million in 1993. This Northern Renaissance portrait, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captures Benedikt von Hertenstein, a man of significant status, through Holbein's meticulous detail and masterful technique.

Look closely at the luxurious details: the rich gold necklace, the elaborate red and black hat, and the voluminous pink sleeve. These elements not only showcase Benedikt’s wealth but also Holbein's skill in rendering textures and fabrics, making him one of the 16th century's foremost portraitists.

Holbein's genius lay in his ability to capture a lifelike representation of his subjects. While Benedikt von Hertenstein himself might not be a household name today, the enduring quality and artistry of this work, by an artist of Swiss and German descent, ensures its place in art history and at the top of auction records.

What details in the painting speak most to Benedikt's status?

Details

He was a wealthy man, evident from his gold necklace.
He was a wealthy man, evident from his gold necklace.
And his lavish, voluminous pink sleeve.
And his lavish, voluminous pink sleeve.
The artist, Holbein, was a leading portraitist.
The artist, Holbein, was a leading portraitist.
The elaborate hat, with its rich red fabric and black trim, signifies status and fashion of the era.
The elaborate hat, with its rich red fabric and black trim, signifies status and fashion of the era.
This text provides biographical details and context, acting as a historical marker.
This text provides biographical details and context, acting as a historical marker.
Transcript

This is Benedikt von Hertenstein, painted in 1517. He was a wealthy man, evident from his gold necklace. And his lavish, voluminous pink sleeve. The artist, Holbein, was a leading portraitist. His meticulous detail made him famous, not Benedikt. In 1993, this painting sold for 10 million dollars. It was the most expensive Holbein ever sold at auction.