Quentin Matsys: Portrait of Erasmus and Peter Gills (1517)

(Museum of fine Arts, Antwerp, Belgium & Palazzo Barberini, Rome, Italy). 

A set of two paintings by the Flemish artist Quentin Matsys (1466-1530). Thanks to surviving letters, we know the history behind these two portraits. On the left is a portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536), a Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, social critic, teacher, writer of the 'in Praise of Folly' and theologian. On the right is a portrait of Peter Gillis (1486-1533), a Flemish humanist, lawyer, printer, secretary to the city of Antwerp and a friend of Erasmus (both met when Gillis was a corrector at a publisher). Both men commissioned both portraits as a gift to their common friend Thomas More (1478 – 1535), an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, Renaissance humanist and a Councillor of king Henry VIII of England - especially famous for his book Utopia. When the paintings were finished in September 1517, the set was send to England where More received it in October. Thomas More send a letter to both men, thanking for their gift and praising both paintings for their likeness. Both humanists are shown in their study. Gillis is shown looking with some awe to his friend who is shown preoccupied in his writing. Gillis seems like hesitating in disturbing his friend. As a sign of respect, Gillis is resting his hand on a book of Erasmus (the book has the letters. ERAS:R). Painting from 1517.