Artwork
The Old White King Sending His Messengers to Portugal
The Old White King Sending His Messengers to Portugal is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Leonhard Beck. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Old White King Sending His Messengers to Portugal is a 1515 woodcut by Leonhard Beck, a painter and woodcut designer from Augsburg, Germany.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a crowned king dispatching messengers, conveying a sense of importance and gravity. The king, surrounded by attendants, holds a scepter and gestures, while the men listen intently.
Technique & Style
Rendered in woodcut, the image features a central figure in a long robe and crown, with a landscape visible through a background window, adding depth to the scene.
History & Provenance
Beck created this work as part of Emperor Maximilian I's woodcut projects, which served as self-promotional works. Beck collaborated with his father, Georg Beck, and later assisted Hans Holbein the Elder.
Artist & collection
Artist
Leonhard Beck (c. 1480 – 1542) was a painter and woodcuts designer in Augsburg, Germany. He was the son of Georg Beck, a miniaturist who was active in Augsburg c. 1490–1512/15. Leonhard collaborated with his father on…
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