Hans Holbein was a young artist making his living in Basel, Switzerland, when Desiderius Erasmus commissioned him in 1511 to illustrate the new edition of his bestselling book, The Praise of Folly. Holbein’s etchings have appeared in many subsequent printed editions. This book, however, does not contain Holbein’s prints; instead, Holbein illustrated it by hand as a gift for Erasmus. Holbein drew marginal pen sketches, much in the manner of medieval manuscript illustration, to create a personalized keepsake suitable to give a close friend. Other examples of self-illustrated printed books given to close friends or relatives survive; few, however, possess such a pedigree as this one.

Desiderius Erasmus, Encomium Moriae (The Praise of Folly). Facsimile of edition printed in Basel, 1515. Marginal illustrations by Hans Holbein the Younger.
HMML collection.