Who painted Josias Simler?

Josias Simler was painted by Dietrich the Elder Meyer in 1565.

Where can I see Josias Simler?

Josias Simler is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Josias Simler?

Josias Simler is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Josias Simler

Dietrich the Elder Meyer , 1565

Josias Simler is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Dietrich the Elder Meyer. It dates from 1565 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Dietrich the Elder Meyer created the etching *Josias Simler* in 1565, a black-and-white portrait of an older man with distinctive facial features and attire.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Josias Simler, is identified by the inscription as a Professor of Theology in Zurich (*Tiguri*). His portrayal emphasizes dignity through a serious expression, long beard, and wide-brimmed hat, without incorporating symbolic objects related to his profession.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching on laid paper, the work showcases meticulous line work, evident in the detailed rendering of the subject's wrinkles and beard. The simple, faintly marked background contrasts with the finely textured portrait.

History & Provenance

Created in 1565, specific details about the etching's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided.

Context

The etching reflects 16th-century portrait conventions, where sitters' professions were often indicated through text rather than visual symbols. Meyer's use of etching, a technique involving carving lines into metal plates, was a prevalent method for producing multiple prints.