Albrecht Durer.........................................................................................................................................1

BASIC BACKGROUND........................................................................................................................1

ROGER FRY (18661934):....................................................................................................................1

CAST OF [SOME OF THE] CHARACTERS: .......................................................................................2

PART 1: LETTERS FROM VENICE TO WILIBALD PIRKHEIMER .................................................3

PART II: DIARY OF A JOURNEY THE NETHERLANDS (July, 1520 July, 1521).....................12

Albrecht Durer (14711528) was probably the greatest graphical artist of the Northern Renaissance. He is the

first to have elevated the selfportrait to a high art form, and was known for his fascination with animals,

which form the subjects of many of his graphical works. He reveled in portraying men of learning and/or high

stature as well as peasants, believing that portraits of the latter could be as instructive as those of the former.

His marriage to his wife Agnes was childless and banal, apparently because Durer was too preoccupied with

In the letters below, this unusually modern thinker demonstrates his noble, righteous utilitarian personal

philosophy, and meticulously records his personal and travel expenses, while journeying throughout Venice

and various other European cities and divided German states. Numerous kings and laypeople sought to meet

and host him, since he was renowned and loved as a painter while still alive. He comments on Martin Luther,

Erasmus of Rotterdam and painting, and demonstrates his curious, inquiring nature. He also describes his

visit to Zeeland to see a beached whale, which washed away before he got there; but during this visit, Durer

may have caught the disease from which he may have died several years later. Like Rembrandt, he enjoyed

Whatever one's final estimate of his art, Durer's personality is at once so imposing and so attractive, and has

been so endeared to us by familiarity, that something of this personal attachment has been transferred to our

aesthetic judgment. The letters from Venice and the Diary of his journey in the Netherlands, which form the

contents of this volume, are indeed the singularly fortunate means for this pleasant intercourse with the man

himself. They reveal Durer as one of the distinctively modern men of the Renaissance: intensely, but not

arrogantly, conscious of his own personality; accepting with a pleasant ease the universal admiration of his

geniusa personal admiration, too, of an altogether modern kind; careful of his fame as one who foresaw its

immortality. They show him as having, though in a far less degree, something of Leonardo da Vinci's

scientific interest, certainly as possessing a quick, though naive curiosity about the world and a quite modern

freedom from superstition. It is clear that his dominating and yet kindly personality, no less than his physical

beauty and distinction, made him the center of interest wherever he went. His easy and humorous good

fellowship, of which the letters to Pirkheimer are eloquent, won for him the admiring friendship of the best

To all these characteristics we must add a deep and sincere religious feeling, which led him to side with the

leaders of the Reformation, a feeling which comes out in his passionate sense of loss when he thinks that

Luther is about to be put to death, and causes him to write a stirring letter to Erasmus, urging him to continue

the work of reform. For all that, there is no trace in him of either Protestantism or Puritanism. He was perhaps

fortunatecertainly as an artist he was fortunateto live at a time when the line of cleavage between the

Marcelli: A Venetian coin worth 10 soldi. Stiver: A Netherlandish coin worth about 80 pfennigs. Philip's: A

Netherlandish coin worth rather less than a Rhenish florin. Crown: A Netherlandish coin worth 6.35 marks.

Noble: The Rosennobel = 8 marks, 20 pfennigs. The Flemish noble = 9 marks, 90 pfennigs. Blanke: A silver

coin = 2 stivers. Angel: An English coin = 2 florins, 2 stivers Netherlandish. *************

My dear Master, To you and all yours, many happy good New Years. My willing service to you, dear Herr

Pirkheimer. Know that I am in good health; may God send you better even than that. Now as to what you

commissioned me, namely, to buy a few pearls and precious stones, you must know that I can find nothing

Those who go about on the Riva always expect four times the value for anything, for they are the falsest

knaves that live there. No one expects to get an honest service of them. For that reason some good people

warned me to be on my guard against them. They told me that they cheat both man and beast, and that you

As for the books which I was to order for you, Imhof has already seen to it, but if you are in need of anything

else, let me know, and I shall do it for you with all zeal. And would to God that I could do you some real

good service. I should gladly accomplish it, since I know how much you do for me.

And I beg of you be patient with my debt, for I think oftener of it than you do. As soon as God helps me to

get home I will pay you honourably, with many thanks; for I have to paint a picture for the Germans, for

which they are giving me 110 Rhenish gulden, which will not cost me as much as five. I shall have finished

laying and scraping the groundwork in eight days, then I shall at once begin to paint, and if God will, it shall

[Editor note: This refers to the [altarpiece called the] "Madonna of the Rose Garlands," painted for the chapel

of S. Bartolommeo, the burialplace of the German colony. About the year 1600 it was bought for a high

price by the Emperor Rudolf II, who is said to have had it carried [over the Alps] by four men all the way to

Prague to avoid the risk of damage in transport. [It suffered serious water damage during the Thirty Years'

War of 16181648, and many parts of it had to be repainted to replace much of the original paint that was

lost, but] it still remains one of the most important [and lavishly colored] of all Durer's works.]

The money I hope, if God will, to put by; and from that I will pay you: for I think that I need not send my

mother and wife any money at present; I left 10 florins with my mother when I came away; she has since got

9 or 10 florins by selling works of art. Dratzieher has paid her 12 florins, and I have sent her 9 florins by

Sebastian Imhof, of which she has to pay Pfinzing and Gartner 7 florins for rent. I gave my wife 12 florins

and she got 13 more at Frankfort, making all together 25 florins, so I don't think she will be in any need, and

if she does want anything, her brother will have to help her, until I come home, when I will repay him

Given at Venice on the day of the Holy Three Kings (Epiphany), the year 1506. Greet for me Stephen

First my willing service to you, dear Master. If it is well with you, I am as wholeheartedly glad as I should

be for myself. I wrote to you recently. I hope the letter reached you. In the meantime my mother has written

to me, chiding me for not writing to you, and has given me to understand that you are displeased with me

because I do not write to you; and that I must excuse myself to you fully. And she is much worried about it,

as is her wont. Now I do not know what excuse to make, except that I am lazy about writing and that you

have not been at home. But as soon as I knew that you were at home or were coming home, I wrote to you at

once; I also specially charged Castel (Fugger) to convey my service to you. Therefore I most humbly beg you

to forgive me, for I have no other friend on earth but you; but I do not believe you are angry with me, for I

How I wish you were here at Venice, there are so many good fellows among the Italians who seek my

company more and more every daywhich is very gratifying to memen of sense, and scholarly, good

luteplayers, and pipers, connoisseurs in painting, men of much noble sentiment and honest virtue, and they

show me much honour and friendship. On the other hand, there are also amongst them the most faithless,

lying, thievish rascals; such as I scarcely believed could exist on earth; and yet if one did not know them, one

would think that they were the nicest men on earth. I cannot help laughing to myself when they talk to me:

I have many good friends among the Italians who warn me not to eat and drink with their painters, for many

of them are my enemies and copy my work in the churches and wherever they can find it; afterwards they

criticize it and claim that it is not done in the antique style and say it is no good, but Giambellin (Giovanni

Bellini) has praised me highly to many gentlemen. He would willingly have something of mine, and came

himself to me and asked me to do something for him, and said that he would pay well for it, and everyone

tells me what an upright man he is, so that I am really friendly with him. He is very old and yet he is the best

[Editor's note: The character of Bellini agrees with all we know of him. Camerarius tells an amusing story of

the two artists, to the effect that Bellini once asked Durer for one of the brushes with which he painted hairs.

Durer produced several quite ordinary brushes and offered them to Bellini. Bellini replied that he did not

mean those, but some brush with the hairs divided which would enable him to draw a number of fine parallel

lines such as Durer did. Durer assured him that he used no special kind, and proceeded to draw a number of

long wavy lines like tresses with such absolute regularity and parallelism that Bellini declared that nothing

but seeing it done would have convinced him that such a feat of skill was possible.]

And the thing which pleased me so well eleven years ago pleases me no longer, and if I had not seen it

myself, I would not have believed anyone who told me. And you must know too that there are many better

painters here than Master Jacob (Jacopo de Barbari), though Antonio Kolb would take an oath that there was

no better painter on earth than Jacob. Others sneer at him and say if he were any good, he would stay here. I

have only today begun the sketch of my picture, for my hands are so scabby that I could not work, but I have

And now be lenient with me and do not get angry so quickly, but be gentile like me. You will not learn from

me, I do not know why. My dear, I should like to know whether any of your loves is deadthat one close by

the water, for instance, or the one like [drawing of a flower] or [drawing of a brush] or [drawing of a running

Given at Venice at the ninth hour of the night on Saturday after Candlemas in the year 1506. [Editor's note:

Reckoning from sunset, at this season [this] would be about 2:30 a.m.] Give my service to Stephen

First my willing service to you, dear Herr Pirkheimer. If things go well with you, then I am indeed glad.

Know, too, that by the grace of God I am doing well and working fast. Still I do not expect to have finished

before Whitsuntide. I have sold all my pictures except one. For two I got 24 ducats, and the other three I gave

for these three rings, which were valued in the exchange as worth 24 ducats, but I have shown them to some

good friends and they say they are only worth 22, and as you wrote to me to buy you some jewels, I thought

that I would send you the rings by Franz Imhof. Show them to people who understand them, and if you like

them, keep them for what they are worth. In case you do not want them, send them back by the next

messenger, for here at Venice a man who helped to make the exchange will give me 12 ducats for the

emerald and 10 ducats for the ruby and diamond, so that I need not lose more than 2 ducats.

I wish you had occasion to come here, I know the time would pass quickly, for there are so many nice men

here, real artists. And I have such a crowd of foreigners (Italians) about me that I am forced sometimes to

Dear Master, Andreas Kunhofer sends you his service and means to write to you by the next courier.

Herewith let me be commended to you, and I also commend my mother to you. I am wondering greatly why

she has not written to me for so long, and as for my wife, I begin to think that I have lost her, and I am

surprised too that you do not write to me, but I have read the letter which you wrote to Sebastian Imhof about

me. Please give the two enclosed letters to my mother, and have patience, I pray, till God brings me home,

when I will honourably repay you. My greetings to Stephen Pirkheimer and other good friends, and let me

know if any of your loves are dead. Read this according to the sense: I am hurried.

First my willing service to you, dear Herr Pirkheimer. I send you herewith a ring with a sapphire about which

you wrote so urgently. I could not send it sooner, for the past two days I have been running around to all the

German and Italian goldsmiths that are in all Venice with a good assistant whom I hired: and we made

comparisons, but were unable to match this one at the price, and only after much entreaty could I get it for 18

ducats 4 marcelli from a man who was wearing it on his own hand and who let me have it as a favour, as I

gave him to understand that I wanted it for myself. And as soon as I had bought it a German goldsmith

wanted to give me 3 ducats more for it than I paid, so I hope that you will like it. Everybody says that it is a

good stone, and that in Germany it would be worth about 50 florins; however, you will know whether they

tell truth or lies. I understand nothing about it. I had first of all bought an amethyst for 12 ducats from a man

whom I thought was a good friend, but he deceived me, for it was not worth 7; but the matter was arranged

between us by some good fellows: I will give him back the stone and make him a present of a dish of fish. I

was glad to do so and took my money back quickly. As my good friend values the ring, the stone is not worth

much more than 10 Rhenish florins, whilst the gold of the ring weighs about up to 5 florins, so that I have not

gone beyond the limit set me, as you wrote "from 15 to 20 florins." But the other stone I have not yet been

able to buy, for 10 one finds them rarely in pairs; but I will do all I can about it. They say here that such

trumpery fool's work is to be had cheaper in Germany, especially now at the Frankfurt Fair. For the Italians

take such stuff abroad, and they laugh at me, especially about the jacinth cross, when I speak of 2 ducats, so

write quickly and tell me what I am to do. I have heard of a good diamond ornament in a certain place, but I

do not yet know what it will cost. I shall buy it for you until you write again, for emeralds are as dear as

anything I have seen in all my days. It is easy enough for anyone to get a small amethyst if he thinks it worth

It really seems to me you must have taken a mistress; only beware you don't get a master. But you are wise

Dear Pirkheimer, Andreas Kunhofer sends you his service. He intends in the meantime to write to you, and he

prays you if necessary to explain for him to the Council why he does not stay at Padua; he says there is

nothing there for him to learn. Don't be angry I pray you with me for not sending all the stones on this

occasion, for I could not get them all ready. My friends tell me that you should have the stone set with a new

foil and it will look twice as good again, for the ring is old, and the foil spoiled. And I beg you too to tell my

mother to write me soon and have good care of herself. Herewith I commend myself to you.

I received a letter from you on the Thursday before Palm Sunday, together with the emerald ring, and went

immediately to the man from whom I got the rings. He will give me back my money for it, although it is a

thing that he does not like to do; however, he has given me his word and he must hold to that. Do you know

that the jewelers buy emeralds abroad and sell them here at a profit? But my friends tell me that the other two

rings are well worth 6 ducats apiece, for they say that they are fine and clear and contain no flaws. And they

say that instead of taking them to the valuer you should enquire for such rings as they can show you and then

compare them and see whether they are like them; and if when I got them by exchange I had been willing to

lose 2 ducats on the three rings, Bernard Holzbeck, who was present at the transaction, would have bought

them of me. I have since sent you a sapphire ring by Franz Imhof, I hope it has reached you. I think I made a

good bargain at that place, for they offered to buy it of me at a profit on the spot. But I shall find out from

you, for you know that I understand nothing about such things and am forced to trust those who advise me.

The painters here you must know are very unfriendly to me. They have summoned me three times before the

magistrates, and I have had to pay 4 florins to their School. You must know too that I might have gained

much money if I had not undertaken to make the painting for the Germans, for there is a great deal of work in

it and I cannot well finish it before Whitsuntide; yet they only pay me 85 ducats for it. [Editor's note: Bellini

at this time received 100 ducats for a large picture]. That, you know, will go in living expenses, and then I

have bought some things, and have sent some money away, so that I have not much in hand now; but I have

made up my mind not to leave here until God enables me to repay you with thanks and to have too florins

over besides. I should easily earn this if I had not got to do the German picture, for, except the painters,

Please tell my mother to speak to Wolgemut about my brother, and to ask him whether he can give him work

until I get back, or whether he can find employment with others. [Editor's note: Durer's brother was Hans

Durer, who was fifteen at this date. He became a painter of secondrate ability, and afterwards helped

Albrecht in the decoration of the Emperor Maximilian's prayer book]. I should like to have brought him with

me to Venice, which would have been useful both to me and to him and he would have learned the language,

but she was afraid that the sky would fall on him. I pray you keep an eye on him: women are no use for that.

Tell the boy, as you can so well, to be studious and independent till I come, and not to rely on his mother, for

I cannot do everything although I shall do my best. If it were only for myself, I should not starve; but to

Now I commend myself to you, and tell my mother to be ready to sell at the Crown Fair. I am expecting my

wife to come home, and have written to her too about everything. I shall not purchase the diamond ornament

until you write. I do not think I shall be able to return home before next Autumn. What I earn for the picture

which was to have been ready by Whitsuntide will all be gone in living expenses and payments. But what I

gain afterwards I hope to save. If you think it right, say nothing of this and I shall keep putting it off from day

to day and writing as though I was just coming. Indeed I am quite irresolute; I do not know myself what I

First my willing service to you, dear Sir. I wonder why you do not write to me to say how you like the

sapphire ring which Hans Imhof has sent you by the messenger Schon from Augsburg. I do not know whether

it has reached you or not. I have been to Hans Imhof and enquired, and he says that he knows no reason why

it should not have reached you, and there is a letter with it which I wrote to you, and the stone is done up in a

sealed packet and has the same size as is drawn here, for 1 drew it in my notebook. I managed to get it only

after hard bargaining. The stone is clear and fine, and my friends say it is very good for the money I gave for

it. It weighs about 3 florins Rhenish, and I gave for it 18 ducats and 4 marzelle, and if it should be lost I

should be half mad, for it has been valued at quite twice what I gave for it. There were people who would

have given me more for it the moment I had bought it. So, dear Herr Pirkheimer, tell Hans Imhof to enquire

of the messenger what he has done with the letter and packet. The messenger was sent off by Hans Imhof the

Now may God keep you, and let me commend my mother to you. Tell her to take my brother to Wolgemut

Read by the sense. I am in a hurry, for I have seven letters to write, part written. I am sorry for Herr Lorenz.

Write me an answer soon, for I shall have no rest till I hear. Andreas Kunhofer is deadly ill as I have just

To the first greatest man in the world; your servant and slave, Albert Durer, sends salutation to his

magnificent Master Wilibaldo Pirkamer. By my faith, I hear gladly and with great pleasure of your health and

great honour, and I marvel how it is possible for a man like you to stand against so many, tyrants, bullies, and

soldiers. Not otherwise than by the grace of God. When I read your letter about this strange abuse it gave me

great fright; I thought it was a serious matter. But I warrant you frighten even Schott's men, for you look wild

enough, especially on holy days with your skipping gait! But it is very improper for such a soldier to smear

himself with civet. You want to be a regular silk tail, and you think that if only you manage to please the

girls, it is all right. If you were only as taking a fellow as I am, I should not be so provoked. You have so

However, let me thank you for having arranged my affairs so satisfactorily with my wife. I know there is no

lack of wisdom in you. If only you were as gentle as I am, you would have all the virtues. Thank you, too, for

everything you are doing for me, if only you would not bother me about the rings. If they do not please you,

What do you mean by setting me to such dirty work, I have become a gentiluomo at Venice. I have heard that

you can make lovely rhymes; you would be a find for our fiddlers here. They play so beautifully that they

weep over their own music. Would God that our Rechenmeister girl could hear them, she would cry too. At

But I cannot get away from here in two months, for I have not enough money yet to start myself off, as I have

written to you before; and so I pray you if my mother comes to you for a loan, let her have 10 florins till God

With this I am sending you the glass things by the messenger. And as for the two carpets, Anthon Kolb will

help me to buy the most beautiful, the broadest, and the cheapest. As soon as I have them I'll give them to

Imhof the younger to pack off to you. I shall also look after the crane's feathers. I have not been able to find

any as yet. But of swan's feathers for writing with there are plenty. How would it do if you stuck them on

A book printer of whom I enquired tells me that he knows of no Greek books that have been brought out

recently, but any that he comes across he will acquaint me with that I may write to you about them.

And please inform me what sort of paper you want me to buy, for I know of no finer quality than we get at

As to the Historical pieces, I see nothing extraordinary in what the Italians make that would be especially

useful for your work. It is always the same thing. You yourself know more than they paint. I have sent you a

letter recently by the messenger Kannengiesser. Also I should like to know how you are managing with Kunz

Herewith let me commend myself to you. Give my willing service to our prior. Tell him to pray God for me

that I may be protected, and especially from the French sickness, for there is nothing I fear more now and

nearly everyone has it. Many men are quite eaten up and die of it. And greet Stephen Paumgartner and Herr

P.S. Lest I forget, Andreas is here and sends you his service. He is not yet strong, and is in want of money.

His long illness and debts have eaten up everything he had. I have myself lent him 8 ducats, but don't tell

anyone, in case it should come back to him. He might think I told you in bad faith. You must know, too, that

he behaves himself so honourably that everyone wishes him well. I have a mind, if the King comes to Italy, to

Most learned, approved, wise, master of many languages, keen to detect all uttered lies, and quick to

recognize real truth, honourable, Herr Wilibald Pirkheimer, your humble servant, Albrecht Durer, wishes you

all health, great and worthy honour, with the devil as much of such nonsense as you like.

I will wager that for this you too would think me an orator of a hundred headings. A chamber must have more

than four corners which is to contain gods of memory. I will not addle my pate with it. I will recommend it to

you, but I believe that however many chambers there may be in the head, you would have a little bit in each

of them. The Margrave would not grant a long enough audience. A hundred headings and to each head say a

hundred words: that takes 9 days, 7 hours, 52 minutes, not counting the sighs, which I have not yet reckoned;

but you could not get through the whole in one go: it would draw itself out like some dotard's speech.

I have taken every trouble about the carpets, but I cannot find any wide ones; they are all narrow and long.

I gave your respects to Bernhard Hirschvogel and he sent you his service. He is full of sorrow for the death of

his son, the nicest boy that I have ever seen. I can't get any of your fool's feathers. Oh, if you were only here,

how you would admire these fine Italian soldiers! How often I think of you! Would God that you and Kuntz

Kamerer could see them! They have scytheshaped lances with 218 points; if they only touch a man with

them he dies, for they are all poisoned. Heigho! but I can do it well, I'll be an Italian soldier. The Venetians

are collecting many men; so is the Pope and the King of France. What will come of it I don't know, for people

Wish Stephen Paumgartner much happiness from me. I can't wonder at his having taken a taken wife. My

greeting to Borsch, Herr Lorenz, and our fair friend, as well as to your Rechenmeister girl, and thank your

Club for its greeting; says it's a dirty one. I sent you olivewood from Venice to Augsburg, where I let it stay,

My picture [the selfportrait Durer painted?], you must know, says it would give a ducat for you to see it. It

is well painted and finely coloured. I have got much praise but little profit by it. I could have easily earned

200 ducats in the time, and I have had to decline big commissions in order to come home.

I have shut up all the painters, who used to say that I was good at engraving, but that in painting I didn't know

My French mantle greets you, and so does my Italian coat. It seems to me that you smell of gallantry. I can

scent it from here; and they say here, that when you go courting, you pretend to be no more than 25 years old.

Oh, yes! Multiply that and I`ll believe it. My friend, there `s a devil of a lot of Italians here who are just like

The Doge and the Patriarch have seen my picture. Herewith let me commend myself as your servant. I really

must sleep, for it's striking seven at night, and I have already written to the Prior of the Augustines, to my

fatherinlaw, to Mistress Dietrich, and to my wife, and they are all sheets cram full. So I have had to hurry

over this. Read according to the sense. You would do it better if you were writing to princes. Many good

Your letter telling me of the overflowing praise that you received from princes and nobles gave me great

allegrezza. [Editor's note: Allegrezza means "joy;" in Venetian in original]. You must have changed

completely to have become so gentle; I must do likewise when I meet you again. Know also that my picture

is finished, likewise another quadro, [Editor's note: quadro is Venetian for "painting"] the like of which I

never made before. And as you are so pleased with yourself, let me tell you now that there is no better

Madonna picture in all the land, for all the painters praise it as the nobles do you. They say that they have

The oil for which you wrote I am sending by Kannengiesser. And burnt glass that I sent you by Farbertell

me if it reached you safely. As for the carpets, I have not bought any yet, for I cannot find any square ones.

They are all narrow and long. If you would like any of these, I will willingly buy them; let me know about it.

Know also that in four weeks at the latest I shall be finished here, for I have to paint first some portraits that I

have promised, and in order that I may get home soon, I have refused, since my picture was finished, orders

Now let me commend myself to you. I had much more to write, but the messenger is ready to start: besides, I

hope, if God will, to be with you again soon and to learn new wisdom from you. Bernhard Holzbeck told me

great things of you, but I believe that he did so because you have become his brother inlaw. But nothing

makes me more angry than to hear anyone say that you are handsome, for then I should have to be ugly; that

The other day I found a gray hair on my head, which was produced by sheer misery and annoyance. I think I

am fated to have evil days. My French mantle and the doublet and the brown coat send you a hearty greeting.

But I should like to see what your drinking club can do that you hold yourself so high.

Once I know that you are aware of my devotion to your service, there is no need to write about it; but so

much the more necessary is it for me to tell you of the great delight it gives me to hear of the high honour and

fame that you have attained to by your manly wisdom and learned skill. This is the more to be wondered at,

for seldom or never can the like be found in a young body; but it comes to you by the special grace of God, as

it does to me. How pleased we both feel when we think well of ourselves, I with my picture, and you con

vostra [with your] learning! When anyone praises us we hold up our head and believe him, yet perhaps he is

only some false flatterer who is making fun of us, so don't credit anyone who praises you, for you have no

I can readily portray you to myself standing before the Margrave and making pretty speeches. You carry on

It did not escape me, when you wrote the last letter, you were full of amorous thoughts. You ought to be

ashamed of yourself, for making yourself out so good looking when you are so old. Your flirting is like a big

shaggy dog playing with a little kitten. If you were only as nice and sleek as I am, I might understand it; but

when I get to be a burgomaster I will shame you with the Luginsland [Editor's note: this was a Nuremberg

prison], as you do the pious Zamener and me. I will have you shut up there for once with the Rechenmeister,

Rosentaler, Gartner, Schlitz, and Por girls, and many others whom for shortness I will not name. They must

deal with you. They ask after me more than after you, however, for you yourself write that both girls and

ladies ask after methat is a sign of my virtue! But if God brings me home again safely, I do not know how

I shall get along with you with your great wisdom: but I `m glad on account of your virtue and good nature;

and your dogs will be the better for it, for you will not beat them lame any more. But if you are so highly

respected at home, you will not dare to be seen speaking with a poor painter in the streets, it would be a great

Oh, dear Herr Pirkheimer, this very minute, while I was writing to you in good humour, the fire alarm

sounded and six houses over by Peter Pender's are burned, and woolen cloth of mine, for which I paid only

yesterday 8 ducats, is burned; so I too am in trouble. There are often fire alarms here.

As for your plea that I should come home quickly, I will come just as soon as I can; but I must first gain

money for my expenses. I have paid out about 100 ducats for colours and other things, and I have ordered

two carpets which I shall pay for tomorrow; but I could not get them cheaply. I will pack them up with my

As for your previous comment that I should come home soon or else you would give my wife a "washing,"

Know, too, that I decided to learn dancing and went twice to the school, for which I had to pay the master a

ducat. No one could get me to go there again. To learn dancing, I should have had to pay away all that I have

As for the glass, the messenger Farber will bring it to you. I cannot find out anywhere that they are printing

any new Greek books. I will pack up a ream of your paper for you. I thought Keppler had more like it; but I

have not been able to get the feathers you wanted, and so I bought white ones instead. If I find the green ones,

Stephen Paumgartner has written to me to buy him fifty Carnelian beads for a rosary. I have ordered them,

but they are dear. I could not get any larger ones, and shall send them to him by the next messenger.

As to your question as to when I shall come home, I tell you, so that my lords may make their arrangements,

that I shall have finished here in ten days. After that I should like to travel to Bologna to learn the secrets of

the art of perspective, which a man there is willing to teach me. I should stay there about eight or ten days

How I shall freeze after this sun! Here I am a gentleman, at home a parasite. Let me know how old Dame

Kormer behaves as a bride, and that you will not grudge her to me. There are many things about which I

P.S. When will you let me know whether any of your children have died? You also wrote me once that

Joseph Rummel had married z's daughter, and forgot to mention whose. How should I know what you

mean? If I only had my cloth back! I am afraid my mantle has been burned too. That would drive me crazy. I

seem doomed to bad luck; not more than three weeks ago a man ran away who owed me 8 ducats.

On Thursday after St. Kilian's Day, I, Albrecht Durer, at my own charges and costs, took myself and my wife

from Nuremberg away to the Netherlands, and the same day, after we had passed through Eriangen, we put

up for the night at Baiersdorff, and spent there 3 crowns, less 6 pfennigs. From thence on the next day,

Friday, we came to Forchheim, and there paid for the conveying thence on the journey to Bamberg 22 pf.,

and presented to the Bishop a painted Virgin and a "Life of the Virgin," an "Apocalypse," and a florin's worth

of engravings. He invited me to be his guest, gave me a tollpass and three letters of introduction, and settled

my bill at the inn, where I had spent about a florin. I paid 6 florins in gold to the boatmen who took me from

Bamberg to Frankfurt. Master Lucas Benedict and Hans the painter sent me a present of wine. Spent 4 pf. for

Then I journeyed from Bamberg to Eltman and showed my pass, and they let me go free. And from there we

passed by Zeil; in the meantime I spent 21 pf. Next I came to Hassfurt, and showed my pass, and they let me

go without paying duty; I paid 1 florin to the Bishop of Bamberg's chancery. Next I came to Theres to the

monastery, and I showed my pass, and they also let me go free; then we journeyed to Lower Euerheim. There

I stayed the night and spent I pf. Thence we went to Meinberg, and I showed my papers and was allowed to

pass. Then we came to Schweinfurt, where Dr. George Rebart invited me, and he gave us wine in the boat:

they let me also pass free. 10 pf. for a roast fowl, 18 pf. in the kitchen and to the boy. Then we traveled to

Volkach and I showed my pass, and we went on and came to Schwarzach, and there we stopped the night and

spent 22 pf., and on Monday we were up early and went toward Tettelbach and came to Kitzingen, and I

showed my letter, and they let me go on, and I spent 37 pf. After that we went past Sulzfeld to Marktbreit,

and I showed my letter and they let me through, and we traveled by Frickenhausen to Ochsenfurth, where I

showed my pass and they let me go free: and we came to Eibelstadt, and from that to Haidingsfeldt, and

thence to Wurzburg; there I showed my pass and they let me go free. Thence we journeyed to Erlabrunn and

stopped the night there, and I spent 22 pf. From that we journeyed on past Retzbath and Zellingen and came

to Karlstadt; here I showed my pass and they let me go on. Thence I traveled to Gmunden, and there we

breakfasted and spent 22 pf. I also showed my pass, and they let me go free. We traveled thence to

Hofstetten; I showed my pass, and they let me through. We came next to Lohr, where I showed my pass and

passed on; from there we came to Neustadt and showed our letter, and they let us travel on; also I paid 10 pf.

for wine and crabs. From there we came to Rothenfels, and I showed my pass, and they let me go free, and

we stayed there for a night, and spent 20 pf.; and on Wednesday early we started and passed by St. Eucharius

and came to HeidenfeId, and thence to Triefenstein; from there we came to Homburg, where I showed my

pass and they let me through; from there we came to Wertheim, and I showed my letter, and they let me go

free, and I spent 57 pf. From there we went to Prozelten; here I showed my pass, and they let me through.

Next we went on past Freudenberg, where I showed my letter once more, and they let me through; from there

we came to Miltenberg and stayed there over night, and I also showed my pass and they let me go, and I

spent 61 pf.; from there we came to Klingenberg. I showed my pass and they let me through; and we came to

Worth and from there passed Obernburg to Aschaffenburg; here I presented my pass and they let me through,

and I spent 52 pf.; from there we journeyed on to Selgenstadt; from there to Steinheim, where I showed my

letter and they let me go on, and we stayed with Johannes for the night, who showed us the town and was

very friendly to us; there I spent 16 pf., and so early on Friday morning we traveled to Kesselstadt, where I

showed my pass and they let me go on; from there we came to Frankfurt, and I showed my pass again, and

they let me through, and I spent 6 white pf. and one thaler and a half, and I gave the boy 2 white pf. Herr

Jacob Heller gave me some wine at the inn. I bargained to be taken with my goods from Frankfurt to Mainz

for 1 florin and 2 white pf., and I also gave the lad 5 Frankfurt thaler, and for the night we spent 8 white pf.

On Sunday I traveled by the early boat from Frankfurt to Mainz, and midway there we came to Hochst, where

I showed my pass and they let me go on; I spent 8 Frankfurt pf. there. From there we journeyed to Mainz; I

have also paid I white pf. for landing my things, besides 14 Frankfurt thaler to the boatmen and 18 pf. for a

girdle; and I took passage in the Cologne boat for myself and my things for 3 florins, and at Mainz also I

spent 17 white pf. Peter Goldschmidt, the warden there, gave me two bottles of wine. Veit Varnbuler invited

me, but his host would take no payment from him, insisting on being my host himself; they showed me much

So I started from Mainz, where the Main flows into the Rhine, and it was the Monday after Mary Magdalen's

Day, and I paid 10 thaler for meat and bread, and for eggs and pears 9 thaler. Here, too, Leonhard

Goldschmidt gave me wine and fowls in the boat to cook on the way to Cologne. Master Jobst's brother

likewise gave me a bottle of wine, and the painters gave me two bottles of wine in the boat. From there we

came to Elfeld, where I showed my letter and they took no toll; from there we came to Rudesheim and I gave

2 white pf. for loading the boat; then we came to Ehrenfels, and there I showed my letter, but I had to give

two gold florins; if, however, I were to bring them a free pass within two months, the customs officer would

give me back the 2 gold florins. >From there we came to Bacharach, and there I had to promise in writing

that I would either bring them a free pass in two months, or pay the toll; from there we came to Caub, and

there again I showed my pass, but it would carry me no further, and I had to promise in writing as before;

there I spent 11 thaler. Next we came to St. Goar, and here I showed my pass, and the customs officer asked

me how they had treated me elsewhere, so I said I would pay him nothing; I gave 2 white pf. to the

messenger. From there we came to Boppard, and I showed my pass to the Trier customhouse officer, and they

let me go through, only I had to certify in writing under my seal that I carried no common merchandise, and

>From there we came to Lahnstein, and I showed my pass, and the customs officer let me go through, but he

asked me that I should speak for him to my most gracious Lord of Mainz, and he gave me a can of wine, too,

for he knew my wife well and he was glad to see me. From there we came to Engers, which is in the Trier

territory; I presented my pass and they let me go through; I said, too, that I would mention it to my Lord of

Bamberg. From there we came to Andernach, and I showed my pass, and they let me go through; and I spent

there 7 thaler and 4 thaler more; then on St. James's Day early I traveled from Andernach to Linz; from there

we went to the custom house at Bonn, and there again they let me go through; from there we came to

Cologne, and in the boat I spent 9 white pf. and I more, and 4 pf. for fruit. At Cologne I spent 7 white pf. for

unloading, to the boatmen 14 thaler, and to Nicolas, my cousin, I made a present of my black furlined coat

edged with velvet, and to his wife I gave a florin; also at Cologne Fugger gave me wine: Johann

Grosserpecker also gave me wine, and my cousin Nicolas gave me wine. They gave us also a collation at the

Barefoot Convent, and one of the monks gave me a handkerchief; moreover, Herr Johann Grosserpecker has

given me 12 measures of the best wine, and I paid 2 white pf. and 8 thaler to the boy; I have spent besides at

Cologne 2 florins and 14 white pf. and 10 white pf. for packing, and 3 pf. for fruit; further, I gave I pf. at

>From there we journeyed on St. Pantaleon's Day from Cologne to a village called Busdorf. We lay there

over night, and spent 3 white pf.; and early on Sunday, we traveled to Rodingen, where we had breakfast and

spent 2 white pf. and 3 pf. more, and again 3 pf. Thence we came to FreiAldenhoven, where we lay the

night, and spent 3 white pf.; thence we traveled early on Monday to Frelenberg, and passed the little town of

Gangelt, breakfasting at a village called Stisterseel, and spent 2 white pf. 2 thaler, further 1 white pf., and

again 2 white pf. From there we journeyed to Sittard, a pretty little town, and from there to Stocken, which

belongs to Liege; where we had a fine inn and stayed there over night, and spent 4 white pf. And when we

had crossed over the Maas we started off early on Tuesday morning and came to Merten Lewbehen [sic]:

there we had breakfast and spent 2 stivers and gave a white pf. for a young fowl. From there we traveled

across the heath and came to Stosser, where we spent 2 stivers, and lay there the night: from thence on

Wednesday morning early we traveled to West Meerbeck, where I paid 3 stivers for bread and wine; and we

went on as far as Branthoek, where we had breakfast and spent 1 stiver; from there we traveled to Uylenberg,

where we stayed the night and spent 3 stivers; from there we traveled on Thursday early to op ten Kouys,

There I sent to Jobst Planckfelt's inn, and the same evening the Fugger's factor, by name Bernhard Stecher,

invited me and gave us a costly mealmy wife dined at the inn. I paid the driver for bringing us three, 3

On Saturday after the Feast of St. Peter in Chains, my host took me to see the burgomaster's house at

Antwerp, which is newly built and large beyond measure, very well arranged with extraordinarily beautiful

large rooms; a tower, splendidly ornamented; a very large garden; in short, such a noble house as I have never

seen in all German lands. A very long new street has been built in his honour, and with his assistance, leading

up to the house on both sides. I gave 3 stivers to the messenger, and 2 pf. for bread and 2 pf. for ink; and on

Sunday, which was St. Oswald's Day, the Painters invited me to their hall with my wife and maid, where

everything was of silver, and they had other costly ornaments and very costly meats; and all their wives were

there too; and as I was being led to the table, everyone on both sides stood up as if they were leading some

great lord. There were among them men of high position, who all showed me the greatest respect and bowed

low to me, and said they would do everything in their power to serve and please me. And as I sat there in

honour, there came the messenger of the Town Council of Antwerp with two servants and presented to me

four cans of wine from the Magistrates of Antwerp, who told him to say that they wished thereby to show

their respect for me and to assure me of their goodwill; wherefore I returned them my humble thanks and

offered my humble services. Thereupon came Master Peter, the town carpenter, and gave me two cans of

wine with offer of his willing service; so when we had spent a long time together merrily, till late into the

night, they accompanied us home with lanterns in great honour. They begged me to be assured of their

goodwill, and promised that in whatever I did they would help me in every way; so I thanked them, and laid

Also I have been in Master Quentin's house, and I have been in all the three great shooting places. [Editor's

note: Quentin Matsys, the painter]. I had a very splendid dinner at Staiber's. Another time at the Portuguese

factor's, whose portrait I have drawn in charcoal; I have made a portrait of my host as well; Jobst Plankfelt

gave me a branch of white coral; paid 2 stivers for butter and 2 stivers to the joiner at the Painters' armoury.

Also my host took me to the Painters' workshop in the armoury at Antwerp, where they are making the

triumphal arches through which King Charles is to make his entry. It is 400 bows in length and each arch is

40 feet wide: they are to be set up on both sides of the streets, beautifully arranged and two stories high, and

on them they are to act the plays; and this costs to make, 4,000 florins for the joiners and painters, and the

I have dined again with the Portuguese factor, and once with Alexander Imhof. Sebald Fischer bought of me

at Antwerp sixteen "Small Passions" for 4 florins, thirtytwo of the large books for 8 florins, also six

engraved "Passions" for 3 florins, also twenty halfsheets of all kinds taken together at 1 florin to the value of

3 florins, and again 5 1/4 florins' worth of quartersheets,fortyfive of all kinds at 1 florin, and eight

To my host I have sold a "Madonna" picture, painted on small canvas, for 2 florins Rhenish. I took once more

the portrait of Felix the lute player. 1 stiver for pears and bread; 2 stivers to the surgeonbarber: besides I

have given 14 stivers for three small panels, besides 4 stivers for laying in the white and preparing them. I

have dined once with Alexander the goldsmith, and once with Felix Hungersberg; once Master Joachim has

I have made a drawing in half colours for the Painters. I have taken 1 florin for expenses. I made Peter

Wolffgang a present of four new little pieces. Master Joachim's partner has again dined with me. I gave

Master Joachim 1 florin's worth of prints for lending me his apprentice and colours, and I gave his apprentice

3 crowns' worth of prints. I have sent the four new pieces to Alexander, the goldsmith. I made charcoal

portraits of these Genoese by name: Tomasin Florianus Romanus, native of Lucca, and his two brothers,

I have dined with Tomasin so often: IIIIIIIIIIII. The treasurer also gave me a "Child's Head" on linen and a

weapon from Calicut, and one of the light wood reeds. Tomasin Imhof has also given me a plaited hat of

I dined once more with the Portuguese; I also gave one of Tomasin's brothers 3 florins' worth of engravings.

Herr Erasmus has given me a small Spanish mantilla and three portraits of men. Tomasin's brother gave me a

pair of gloves for 3 florins' worth of engravings. I have once more made the portrait of Tomasin's brother

Vincentius; and I gave Master Augustus Lombard two of the Imagines. Moreover, I made a portrait of the

crookednosed Italian named Opitius. Also my wife and maid dined one day at Herr Tomasin's; that makes

Our Lady's Church at Antwerp is so vast that many masses may be sung there at one time without interfering

one with another. The altars are richly endowed; the best musicians that can be had are employed; the Church

has many devout services and much stonework, and in particular a beautiful tower. I also visited the rich

Abbey of St. Michael, where are the finest galleries of stonework that I have ever seen, and a rich throne in

the choir. But at Antwerp they spare no cost in such things, for they have plenty of money.

I have made a portrait of Herr Nicolas, an astronomer who lives with the King of England, and is very helpful

and of great service to me in many matters. He is a German, a native of Munich. Also I have made the

portrait of Tomasin's daughter, Maid Zutta by name. Hans Pfaffroth gave me a Philip's florin for taking his

portrait in charcoal. I have dined once more with Tomasin. My host's brotherinlaw entertained me and my

wife once. I changed 2 light florins for 24 stivers for living expenses; and I gave 1 stiver for a tip to a man

The Sunday after the Feast of the Assumption I saw the great procession of Our Lady's Church at Antwerp,

where all the whole town was gathered together, with all the trades and professions, and each was dressed in

his best according to his rank; every guild and profession had its sign by which it might be recognized.

Between the companies were carried great costly gold polecandlesticks and their long old Frankish silver

trumpets; and there were many pipers and drummers in the German fashion; all were loudly and noisily

blown and beaten. I saw the procession pass along the street, spread far apart so that they took up much space

crossways, but close behind one another: goldsmiths, painters, stonecutters, broiderers, sculptors, joiners,

carpenters, sailors, fishermen, butchers, leather workers, cloth makers, bakers, tailors, shoemakers, and all

kinds of craftsmen and workmen who work for their livelihood. There were likewise shopkeepers and

merchants with their assistants of all sorts. After them came the marksmen with their guns, bows, and

crossbows; then the horsemen and foot soldiers; then came a large company of the town guard; then a fine

troop of very gallant men, nobly and splendidly costumed. Before them, however, went all the religious

orders and the members of some foundations, very devoutly, in their respective groups. There was, too, in

this procession, a great troop of widows, who support themselves by their own labour and observe special

rules, all dressed from head to foot in white linen robes made expressly for the occasion, very sorrowful to

behold. Among them I saw some very stately persons, the Canons of Our Lady's Church with all their clergy,

scholars, and treasures. Twenty persons bore the image of the Virgin Mary and of the Lord Jesus, adorned in

the richest manner, to the honour of the Lord God. The procession included many delightful things splendidly

got up, for example, many wagons were drawn along with stagings of ships and other constructions. Then

there came the company of the Prophets in their order, and scenes from the New Testament, such as the

Annunciation, the Three Magi riding great camels, and other strange beasts, very skillfully arranged, and also

how Our Lady fled into Egypt very conducive to devotionand many other things which for shortness I

must leave out. Last of all came a great dragon, which St. Margaret and her maidens led by a girdle; she was

extraordinarily beautiful. Behind her followed a St. George with his squire, a very fine cuirassier. There also

rode in the procession many pretty and richly dressed boys and girls in the costumes of many lands

representing various saints. This procession from beginning to end, where it passed our house, lasted more

than two hours; there were so many things there that I could not write them in a book, so I let it alone.

I visited Fugger's house in Antwerp, which is newly built, with a wonderful tower, broad and high, and with a

beautiful garden, and I also saw his fine stallions. Tomasin has given my wife fourteen ells of good thick

arras for a mantle and three and a half ells of half satin to line it. I drew a design for a lady's forehead band

The Portuguese factor has given me a present of wine in the inn, both Portuguese and French. Signor Rodrigo

of Portugal has given me a small cask full of all sorts of sweetmeats, amongst them a box of sugar candy,

besides two large dishes of barley sugar, marchpane, many other kinds of sugarwork, and some sugarcanes

just as they grow; I gave his servant in return 1 florin as a tip. I have again changed for my expenses a light

The pillars in the Convent of St. Michael of Antwerp are all made out of single blocks of a beautiful black

touchstone. Herr Egidius, King Charles's warden, has taken for me from Antwerp the "St. Jerome in the

Cell," the "Melancholy," and three new "Marys," the "Anthony" and the "Veronica" for the good sculptor,

Master Conrad, whose like I have not seen; he serves Lady Margaret, the Emperor's daughter. Also I gave

Master Figidius a "Eustace" and a "Nemesis." I owe my host 7 florins, 20 stivers, I thalerthat is, on Sunday

before St. Bartholomew: for sitting room, bedroom, and bedding I am to pay him 11 florins a month.

I came to a new agreement with my host on the 20th August on the Monday before St, Bartholomew's, I

am to eat with him and pay 2 stivers for the meal, and extra for drink, but my wife and the maid can cook and

I gave the Portuguese factor a statuette of a child: besides that, I gave him an "Adam and Eve," a "Jerome in

his Cell," a "Hercules," a "Eustace," a "Melancholy," and a "Nemesis;" then of the halfsheets, three new

"Virgins," the "Veronica," the "Anthony," "The Nativity," and "The Crucifixion," also the best of the

quartersheets, eight pieces, and then the three books of the" Life of the Virgin," "The Apocalypse," and the

"Great Passion," also the "Little Passion" and the "Passion" on copper, all together, 5 florins' worth. The same

quantity I gave to Signor Rodrigo, the other Portuguese. Rodrigo has given my wife a small green parrot.

On the Sunday after St. Bartholomew's, I traveled with Herr Tomasin from Antwerp to Mechlin, where we

lay for the night; there I invited Master Conrad and a painter with him to supper, and this Master Conrad is

the good carver in Lady Margaret's service. From Mechlin we traveled through the small town of Vilvorde

and came to Brussels on Monday at midday; I gave the messenger 3 stivers; I dined with my lords at

Brussels; also once with Herr Bannisis, and I gave him a "Passion" on copper. I gave the Margrave Hansen of

Brussels the letter of recommendation which my lord of Bamberg wrote for me, and I made him a present of

I have also dined once more with my lords of Nuremberg. I saw in the town hall at Brussels, in the golden

chamber, four paintings which the great Master Rogier did; and behind the King's palace in Brussels, the

fountains, labyrinth, zoological garden. Anything more beautiful and pleasing to me, more like a paradise, I

Erasmus is the name of the little man [Editor's note: not Erasmus of Rotterdam, but a clerk of Bannisis] who

wrote out my supplication at Jacob Bannisis' house. At Brussels there is a very splendid town hall, large and

covered with beautiful stonework, with a noble open tower. I have made a portrait of Master Conrad of

Brussels by candlelight; he is my host. At the same time I drew Doctor Lamparter's son in charcoal, and also

Also I have seen the things which they have brought to the King out of the new land of gold: a sun all of

gold, a whole fathom broad, and a moon, too, of silver, of the same size, also two rooms full of armour, and

the people there with all manner of wondrous weapons, harness, darts, wonderful shields, extraordinary

clothing, beds, and all kinds of wonderful things for human use, much finer to look at than prodigies. These

things are all so precious that they are valued at 100,000 gulden, and all the days of my life I have seen

nothing that reaches my heart so much as these, for among them I have seen wonderfully artistic things and

have admired the subtle ingenuity of men in foreign lands; indeed, I don't know how to express what I there

I also saw many other beautifu1 things at Brussels, and especially a great fish bone there, as vast as if it had

been built up of square stones; it was a fathom long, very thick, weighs up to 1 cwt. (15 centner), and it has

I have also been in the Lord of Nassau's house, which is so magnificently built and so beautifully decorated. I

have again dined twice with my lords. Lady Margaret sent after me to Brussels and promised that she would

speak in my behalf to King Charles, and has shown herself quite exceptionally kind to me: I sent her my

engraved "Passion" and such another to her treasurer, Jan Marnix by name, and I made his portrait in

charcoal. I paid 2 stivers for a buffalo ring, and also 2 stivers for opening St. Luke's picture. When I was in

Herr von Nassau's house I saw in the chapel the fine painting that Master Hugo has made, and I also saw two

large beautiful halls, and all the treasures in various parts of the house, and the large bed in which fifty men

can lie. And I also saw the great stone which the storm cast down in the field close to Herr von Nassau. This

house lies high, and there is a most beautiful view at which one cannot but wonder. And I think that in all

Master Bernhard, the painter, invited me to dinner, and had prepared a meal so costly that I do not think 10

florins will pay for it. Three friends invited themselves to it to give me good company, to wit, Lady

Margaret's treasurer, whose portrait I made, and the King's steward, de Metenye, and the town treasurer, Van

Busleyden; I gave him a "Passion" engraved on copper, and he gave me in return a black Spanish bag worth 3

florins. And I also gave a "Passion" engraved on copper to Erasmus of Rotterdam; likewise one to Erasmus,

the secretary of Bannisis. The man at Antwerp who gave me the "Child's Head" is called Lorenz Sterk. I took

the portrait in charcoal of Master Bernhard, Lady Margaret's painter. I have taken Erasmus of Rotterdam's

portrait once more. I gave Lorenz Sterk a sitting "St. Jerome" and the "Melancholy," and I made a portrait of

my hostess's godmother. Six people whose portraits I painted at Brussels gave me nothing. I paid 3 stivers for

So then on the Sunday after St. Giles', I traveled with Herr Tomasin to Mechlin and took leave of Herr Hans

Ebner, and he would take nothing for my expenses while I was with him seven days; I paid 1 stiver on behalf

of Hans Geuder; I gave 1 stiver as a tip to the host's servant; and at Mechlin I took supper with the Lady

I breakfasted with the Portuguese factor, who gave me three porcelain dishes, and Rodrigo gave me some

Calicut feathers. I spent 1 florin and paid my messenger 2 stivers. I bought Susanna a mantle for 2 florins, 10

stivers. My wife paid 4 florins Rhenish for a washtub, a bellows, a basin, a pair of slippers, wood for cooking,

stockings, a cage for the parrot, 2 jugs, and for tips; she spent, moreover, for eating, drinking, and various

Now on Monday after St. Giles' I am back again at Jobst Planckfelter's, and have dined with him as many

times as are drawn hereIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII. I gave Nicolas, Tomasin's man, 1 stiver; I paid 5 stivers for the little

frame, and 1 stiver more. My host gave me an Indian cocoanut and an old Turkish whip; then I have dined

IIIIIIIIIIIII more with Tomasin. The two lords of Rogendorf have invited me; I have dined once with them

and made a large drawing of their coat of arms on wood, for engraving. I gave away 1 stiver; my wife

changed a florin for 24 stivers; I gave 2 stivers as a tip. I have dined once in Focker's house with the young

Jacob Rehlinger, and I have also dined once more with him. My wife has changed a florin for 24 stivers for

expenses. I gave to Wilhelm Hauenhut, the servant of my lord Duke Frederick, the Platzgraf, an engraved

"Jerome," and the two new halfsheets, the "Mary " and the "Anthony." I gave Herr Jacob Bannisis a good

painting of a "Veronica" face, a "Eustace," a "Melancholy," and a sitting "Jerome," a "St. Anthony," the two

new "Marys," and the new "Peasants." And I have given his secretary, Erasmus, who wrote my supplication,

a sitting "Jerome," a "Melancholy," an "Anthony," the two new "Marys," and the "Peasants," and I have given

him also two small "Marys," and all together what I have given is worth 7 florins, and I have given Master

Marc, the goldsmith, a "Passion" on copper, and he gave me 3 florins in payment; besides this I have received

3 florins, 20 stivers, for prints. To the glazier Honigen, I have given four little engravings. I have dined with

Herr Bannisis III. I paid 4 stivers for carbon and black chalk; I have given 1 florin, 8 stivers for wood, and

spent 3 stivers more. I have dined with the lords of Nuremberg IIIIIIIIII. Master Dietrich, the glass painter,

sent me the red colour which is found in the new bricks at Antwerp. I made charcoal portrait of Jacob von

Lubeck; he gave my wife a Philip's florin. I have again changed a Philip's florin for expenses.

I presented to Lady Margaret a seated "Jerome" engraved on copper. I sold a woodcut "Passion" for 12

stivers, besides an "Adam and Eve" for 4 stivers. Felix, the captain and lute player, bought a whole set of

copperengravings and a woodcut "Passion" and an engraved "Passion," two halfsheets and two

quartersheets, for 8 gold florins; so I gave him another set of engravings. I have taken Herr Bannisis's

portrait in charcoal. Rodrigo gave me another parrot, and I gave his boy 2 stivers for a tip. I gave Johann von

den Winckel, the trumpeter, a small woodcut "Passion," "St. Jerome in his Cell," and a "Melancholy." I paid

6 stivers for a pair of gloves. I paid 3 stivers for a bamboo rod, and George Schlaudersbath gave me another

I have dined once with Wolff Haller, who is employed by the Fuggers, when he had invited my lords of

Nuremberg. I have received for works of art, 2 Philip's florins, and 6 stivers. I have again dined once with my

wife; I gave 1 stiver to Hans Denes' boy for a tip. I have taken 100 stivers for works of art.

I made a charcoal portrait of Master Jacob, Lord Rogendorf's painter, and I have drawn for Lord Rogendorf

I dined once more with the Portuguese; I took the portrait of Master John Prost of Bruges, and he gave me 1

florin; it was done in charcoal; 23 stivers for a fur coat of rabbit skin. I sent Hans Schwarz 2 golden florins

for my picture in a letter sent through the Antwerp Fuggers to Augsburg, I gave 31 stivers for a red woolen

shirt. I dined once more with Rogendorf. I gave 2 stivers for the colour which is found in the bricks; and I

paid 9 stivers for an ox horn. I made a charcoal portrait of a Spaniard. I have dined once with my wife. I gave

2 stivers for a dozen little pipes; I gave 3 stivers for two little maplewood bowls, two such Felix gave my

wife, and Master Jacob, the painter from Lubeck, has given my wife another; dined once with Rogendorf. I

paid 1 stiver for the printed "Entry into Antwerp," showing how the King was received with a splendid

triumph; the gates were beautifully decorated, and there were plays, much rejoicing, and beautiful maidens in

I have seen the bones of the great giant at Antwerp; his leg above his knee is five and a half feet long, and

beyond measure heavy; so were his shoulder bladesa single one is broader than a strong man's backand

his other limbs. The man was eighteen feet high, and reigned at Antwerp and did great wonders, as is set out

Raphael of Urbino's effects have been all dispersed after his death, but one of his disciples, Tommaso of

Bologna by name, a good painter, desired to see me, so he came to me and gave me a gold ring, an antique

with a wellcut stone worth 5 florins, but I have been already offered twice as much for it; in return I gave

him my best engravings, worth 6 florins. I bought a piece of calico for 3 stivers, I gave the messenger 1

I presented to Lady Margaret, the Emperor's sister [Editor's note: Actually, she was his aunt], a whole set of

all my works, and have drawn her two pictures on parchment with the greatest pains and care; all this I have

put at 30 florins, and I have had to draw the design of the house for her physician, the doctor, according to

which he intends to build one, and for drawing that I would not willingly take less than 10 florins. I have

given the servant 1 stiver, and I paid 1 stiver for brick colour; I have given Herr Nicolas Ziegler a "Christ

lying dead," worth 3 florins. To the Portuguese factor I gave a painting of a "Child's Head," worth 1 florin. I

have given 10 stivers for a buffalo horn; I gave 1 gold florin for an elk's hoof. I have done Master Adrian's

portrait in charcoal. I gave 2 stivers for the "Condemnation" and the "Dialogue," 3 stivers to the messenger;

to Master Adrian I have given 2 florins' worth of works of art; bought a piece of red chalk for 1 stiver. I have

done Herr Wolff von Rogendorf in silverpoint. Gave away 3 stivers; did the portrait of a noble lady at

Tomasin's house. I have given to Nicolas a "Jerome in the Cell," and two new "Marys." On Monday after St.

Michael's Day, 1520, I gave to Tommaso of Bologna a whole set of prints to send for me to Rome to another

painter, who will send me Raphael's work in return. I dined once with my wife; gave 3 stivers for the little

tract. The Bolognese has painted my portrait, which he will take with him back to Rome. I bought an elk's

foot for 20 stivers, besides I paid 2 gold florins, 4 stivers, for Herr Hans Ebner's little panel; dined out;

changed a crown for expenses; dined out. Am taking 11 florins for my expenses to Aachen; have received 2

florins, 4 stivers, from Ebner; paid 9 stivers for wood; gave Meyding 20 stivers for sending my box.

I have taken the portrait of a lady of Bruges, who has given me I Philip's florin. I gave away 3 stivers as a tip;

paid 2 stivers for fir cones and I for stone colour; paid 13 stivers to the furrier, 1 stiver for leather; bought two

mussels for 2 stivers. In John Gabriel's house I have taken the portrait of an Italian lord, who gave me 2 gold

On Thursday after St. Michael's Day, I journeyed from Antwerp to Aachen, and I took 1 gulden and I noble

with me; and after passing through Maestricht we came to Gulpen, and from there to Aix on Sunday; there I

have spent up till now, with the fare and all, 3 florins. At Aachen I saw the well proportioned pillars with

their good capitals of green and red porphyry and granite which Carolus [Charlemagne] had brought from

Rome and set up there. These are made truly according to Vitruvius's writings. At Aachen I bought an ox

horn for 1 gold florin. I have taken the portraits of Herr Hans Ebner and George Schlaudersbach, and Hans

Ebner's a second time. I paid 2 stivers for a fine whetstone, also 5 stivers for a bath and drinking in company;

changed 1 florin for expenses. I gave the town servant who took me up into the hall 2 white pf.; spent 5 white

pf. With companions, drinking and bathing; I have lost 7 stivers at play with Herr Hans Ebner at the Mirror. I

have made a charcoal portrait of the young Christopher Groland, also of my host, Peter von Enden. I spent 3

stivers in company, and gave the messenger 1 stiver. I have taken the portraits of Paul Topier and Martin

I have seen the arm of the Emperor Henry, the shirt and girdle of Our Lady, and other holy relics. I have

sketched the Church of Our Lady with its surroundings. I took Sturm's portrait. Made the portrait in charcoal

of Peter von Enden's brotherinlaw. Have given 10 white pf. for a large ox horn; gave 2 white pf. for a tip,

and I have changed 1 florin for expenses. I have lost 3 white pf. at play, also 2 stivers; gave 2 white pf. to the

messenger. 1 have given Tomasin's daughter the painted "Trinity," it is worth 4 florins; paid 1 stiver for

washing. I took the portrait in charcoal of the Kopffrngrin's sister at Aachen, and another in silverpoint. Spent

3 white pf. for a bath; paid 8 white pf. for a buffalo horn; 2 white pf. for a girdle: paid I Philip's florin for a

scarlet shawl; 6 pf. for paper; changed 1 florin for expenses; paid 2 white pf. for washing.

On the 23rd day of October King Charles was crowned at Aachen; there I saw all manner of lordly splendour,

the like of which those who live in our parts have never seenall, as it has been described.

I gave Mathes works of art worth 2 florins, and1 presented Stephen, Lady Margaret's chamberlain, with 3

prints. Paid 1 florin, 10 white pf. for a cedarwood rosary; gave 1 stiver to little Hans in the stable, and 1 stiver

to the child in the house; lost 2% stivers at play; spent 2 stivers, gave 2 stivers to the barber. I have again

And I traveled from Aachen to Julich, and thence to...; paid 4 stivers for two eyeglasses. I played away 2

stivers in an embossed silver medal of the king. I have given 8 white pf. for two ox horns. On the Friday

before St. Simon and St. Jude I left Aachen and traveled to Duren, where I visited the church where St.

Anne's head is. Thence we traveled and came on Sunday, which was St. Simon and St. Jude's Day, to

Cologne. I had lodging, food, and drink at Brussels with my lords of Nuremberg, and they would take

nothing from me for it, and at Aachen likewise I ate with them three weeks and they brought me to Cologne,

I have bought a tract of Luther's for 5 white pf. besides 1 white pf. for the "Condemnation of Luther," the

pious man, besides 1 white pf. for a Paternoster, and 2 white pf. for a girdle, I white pf. for one pound of

candles; changed 1 florin for expenses. I had to give Herr Leonhard Groland my great ox horn, and to Hans

Ebner I had to give my large rosary of cedarwood. Paid 6 white pf. for a pair of shoes; I gave 2 white pf. for a

little skull; 1 white pf. I gave for beer and bread; 1 white pf. for a "pertele" [braid]. I have given 4 white pf. to

two messengers; I have given 2 white pf. to Nicolas's daughter for lace, also 1 white pf. to a messenger. I

gave prints worth 2 florins to Herr Ziegler Linhard; paid the barber 2 white pf. paid 3 white pf. and then 2

white pf. for opening the picture which Master Stephan made at Cologne; I gave the messenger 1 white pf.,

and spent 2 white pf. drinking in company. I made the portrait of Gottschalk's sister: 1 paid I white pf. for a

At Cologne, on Sunday evening after All Saints' Day in the year 1520, I saw the nobles dance and banquet in

the Emperor Charles's dancing saloon: it was splendidly arranged. I have drawn for Staiber his coat of arms

on wood. I gave a "Melancholy" to a young count at Cologne, and a new "Mary" to Duke Frederick. I have

made Nicolas Hailer's portrait in charcoal; paid 2 white pf. to the door porter. I have given 3 white pf. for two

little tracts, also 10 white pf. for a cow horn. At Cologne I went to St. Ursula's Church and to her grave, and

saw the holy maiden and the other great relics. Fernberger's portrait I took in charcoal; changed 1 florin for

expenses. I gave Nicolas's wife 8 white pf. when she invited me as a guest. I bought two prints for 1 stiver.

Herr Hans Ebner and Herr Nicolas Groland would take nothing from me for eight days at Brussels, three

weeks at Aachen, and fourteen days at Cologne. I made the nun's portrait, and gave 7 white pf. to the nun. I

My Confirmation from the Emperor came to my lords of Nuremberg the Monday after St. Martin's, the year

1520, after great trouble and labour. I gave Nicolas's daughter 7 white pf. on departing, 1 florin to his wife,

and again 1 ort to his daughter on leaving; and I started away from Cologne. Before that, Staiber invited me

once as his guest, and so did my cousin Nicolas once, and old Wolfgang once, and once besides I dined as his

guest. I have given Nicolas's man a "Eustace" on leaving, and his little daughter another ort, as they took

much trouble for me. I have given 1 florin for a little ivory skull, and I white pf. for a turned box, also 7 white

I started off early by boat from Cologne on Wednesday after St. Martin's, and went as far as . . . Paid 6 white

pf. for a pair of shoes. I gave 4 white pf. to the messenger. From Cologne I traveled by the Rhine to Zons,

from Zons to Neuss, and from thence to Stain where we stayed the day, and I spent 6 white pf. Thence we

came to Dusseldorf, a little town, where I spent 2 white pf.; from thence to Kaiserswerth; from thence to

Duisburg, another little town, and we passed two castles, Angerort and Rurort; thence we went to Orsoy, a

little town; from thence we went to Rheinberg, another little town, where I lay overnight, and spent 6 white

pf.; from there I traveled to the following towns, Burg Wesel, Rees, and from there to Emmerich. We came

next to Thomas, and from there to Nymwegen; there we stayed over the night and spent 4 white pf.; from

Nymwegen I traveled to Tiel, and from there to Herzogenbusch. At Emmerich I stopped and spent 3 white pf.

on a very good meal. There I took the portrait of a goldsmith's apprentice, Peter Federmacher of Antwerp,

and of a woman. The reason of our staying was that a great storm of wind overtook us. I spent besides 5

white pf., and I changed 1 florin for expenses; also I took the host's portrait, and we did not get to Nymwegen

until Sunday; I gave the boatmen 20 white pf. Nymwegen is a beautiful city, and has a fine church and a

wellsituated castle; from there we traveled to Tiel, where we left the Rhine and continued on the Maas to

Heerewarden, where the two towers stand; there we lay over night, and during this day I spent 7 stivers. From

there we started early on Tuesday for Bommel on the Maas; there a great storm of wind overtook us and we

hired some peasant horses and rode without saddles as far as Herzogenbusch, and I paid 1 florin for the

journey by boat and horse. Herzogenbusch is a beautiful city, and has an extremely beautiful church and a

strong fortress; there I spent 10 stivers, although Arnold settled for the repast. The goldsmiths came to me

and showed me great honour. From there we traveled on Our Lady's Day early and came through the large

and beautiful village of Oosterwyck. We breakfasted at Tilborch and spent 4 white pf.; from there we came to

Baarle, lay the night there, and spent 3 stivers, and my companions got into an argument with the innkeeper,

so we went on in the night to Hoogstraten; there we stopped two hours and went by St. Leonhard Kirchen to

>From there we journeyed to Antwerp and gave the driver 15 stivers. This was on Thursday after Our Lady's

Assumption [by error for Presentation]; and I gave an engraving of the "Passion" to John, Jobst Schwager's

man, and I made a portrait of Nicolas Sopalis, and on the Thursday after Our Lady's Assumption

[Presentation], 1520, I was once more back in Jobst Planckfelt's house; I have eaten with him IIII times. My

wifeIIchanged 1 florin for expenses, besides a crown; and the seven weeks that I have been away my wife

and maid have spent 7 crowns and bought another 4 florins' worth of things. I spent 4 stivers in company. I

have dined with Tomasin IIIIII times. On St. Martin's Day my wife had her purse cut off in Our Lady's

Church at Antwerp; there were 2 florins in it, and the purse itself, besides what was in it, was worth another

florin, and some keys were in it, too. On the eve before St. Catherine's I paid Jobst Planckfelt, my host, 10

gold crowns for my reckoning. I dined two times with the Portuguese. Rodrigo gave me six Indian nuts, so I

gave his boy 2 stivers for a tip. I paid 19 stivers for parchment; changed 2 crowns for expenses.

I sold two "Adam and Eves," one "Sea Monster," one "Jerome," one "Knight," one "Nemesis," one "St.

Eustace," one whole sheet, besides seventeen etched pieces, eight quarter sheets, and ten woodcuts, seven

of the bad woodcuts, two books, and ten small wood "Passions," the whole for 8 florins. Also I exchanged

three large books for one ounce [ell of?] camlet. I changed a Philip's florin for expenses and my wife likewise

At Zierikzee in Zeeland a whale has been washed ashore by a great tide and storm; it is much more than a

hundred fathoms long; no one in Zeeland has ever seen one even onethird as long, and the fish cannot get

off the land. The people would be glad to see it gone, for they fear the great stink, for it is so big they say it

Stephen Capello has given me a cedarwood rosary, in return for which I was to take and have taken his

portrait. I paid 4 stivers for furnace brown and a pair of snuffers; I gave 3 stivers for paper; made a portrait of

Felix, kneeling, in his book in pen and ink, and Felix gave me one hundred oysters. I gave Herr Lazarus, the

great man, an engraved "Jerome" and three large books. Rodrigo sent me some wine and oysters. I paid 7

white pf. for black chalk. I have had to dinner Tomasin, Gerhard, Tomasin's daughter, her husband, the glass

painter Hennick, Jobst and his wife, and Felix, which cost 2 florins. Tomasin made me a gift of four ells of

On St. Barbara's Eve I traveled from Antwerp to Bergenop Zoom; I paid 2 stivers for the horse, and I spent

1 florin 6 stivers here. At Bergen I bought my wife a thin Netherlandish head cloth, which cost 1 florin, 7

stivers, besides 6 stivers for three pairs of shoes, 1 stiver for eyeglasses, and 6 stivers for an ivory button;

gave 2 stivers for a tip. I have drawn the portraits in charcoal of Jan de Has, his wife, and two daughters; and

the maid and the old woman in silverpoint, in my sketchbook. I saw the Van Bergen house, which is a very

large and beautiful building. Bergen is a pleasant place in summer, and two great fairs are held there yearly.

On Our Lady's Eve I started with my companions for Zeeland, and Sebastian Imhof lent me five florins; and

the first night we lay at anchor in the sea; it was very cold and we had neither food nor drink. On Saturday we

came to Goes, and there I drew a girl in the costume of the place. Thence we traveled to Arnemuiden, and I

paid 15 stivers for expenses. We went by a sunken place, where we saw the tops of the roofs standing up

above the water, and we went by the island of Wolfersdyk, and passed the little town Kortgene on another

island lying near. Zeeland has seven islands, and Arnemuiden, where I lay the night, is the biggest. From

there I traveled to Middelburg. There in the abbey Jan de Mabuse has made a great picture, not so good in the

drawing as in the colouring. From there I went to the Veere, where ships from all lands lie. It is a very fine

But at Arnemuiden, where I landed, there happened to me a great misfortune. As we were coming to land and

getting out our rope, just as we were getting on shore, a great ship ran into us so hard that in the crush I let

everyone get out before me, so that no one but myself, George Kotzler, two old women, the sailor, and a little

boy were left in the ship. When now the other ship knocked against us and I with those mentioned was on the

ship and could not get out, the strong rope broke, and at the same moment a violent storm of wind arose

which forcibly drove back our ship. So we all called for help, but no one would risk himself, and the wind

carried us back out to sea. Then the skipper tore his hair and cried aloud, for all his men had landed and the

ship was unmanned. It was a matter of fear and danger, for there was a great wind and no more than six

persons in the ship, so I spoke to the skipper that he should take heart and have hope in God, and should take

thought for what was to be done. He said that if he could pull up the small sail, he would try if we could come

again to land. So we all helped one another and pulled it halfway up with difficulty, and went on again

towards the land. And when those on the land who had already given us up saw how we helped ourselves,

Middelburg is a good town; it has a very beautiful town hall with a fine tower. There is much art shown in all

things here. There are very rich and beautiful stalls in the abbey, and a splendid gallery of stone and a

beautiful parish church. The town is excellent for sketching. Zeeland is beautiful and wonderful to see on

I have made a portrait of my host at Arnemuiden. Master Hugo, Alexander Imhof, and the Hirschvogel's

servant Frederick gave me each of them an Indian nut that they had won at play, and the host gave me a

Early on Monday morning we went back to the ship and set out for the Veere and for Zierikzee; I wanted to

get sight of the great fish, but the tide had carried it off again. I paid 2 florins for fare and expenses and 2

florins for a rug, 4 stivers for a figcheese and 3 stivers for carriage, and I lost 6 stivers at play. When we

I have taken Schnabhan's portrait, and I have also taken the portrait of my host's soninlaw, Klautz. Gave 2

florins less 5 stivers for a piece of tin; also 2 florins for a bad piece of tin. I have also taken the portrait of

little Bernard of Brussels, George Kotzler, and the Frenchman from Kamrick; each of them gave me 1 florin

at Bergen. Jan de Has' soninlaw gave me 1 Horn florin for his portrait, and Kerpen of Cologne also gave

me a florin, and besides this I bought two bedcovers for 4 florins less 10 stivers. I have made the portrait of

Nicolas, the jeweler. These are the number of times that I have dined at Bergen since I came from Zeeland:

IIIIIIIII and once for 4 stivers. I paid the driver 3 stivers and spent 8 stivers, and came back to Antwerp, to

Jobst Planckfelt's, on Friday after St. Lucy's, 1520, and I have dined this number of times with him: IIII. It is

In return for the three books which I gave him, Herr Lazarus of Ravensburg has given me a big fish scale,

five snail shells, four silver medals, five copper ones, two little dried fishes and a white coral, four reed

arrows and another white coral. I changed 1 florin for expenses, and likewise 1 crown. I have dined alone so

many times: IIIIIIIII. The factor of Portugal has given me a brown velvet bag and a box of good electuary; I

gave his boy 3 stivers for wages. I gave 1 Horn florin for two little panels, but they gave me back 6 stivers. I

bought a little monkey for 4 gulden, and gave 14 stivers for five fish. I paid Jobst 10 stivers for three dinners;

I gave 2 stivers for two tracts; and 2 stivers to the messenger. I gave Lazarus of Ravensburg a portrait head on

panel which cost 6 stivers, and besides that I have given him eight sheets of the large copper engravings,

eight of the halfsheets, an engraved "Passion," and other engravings and woodcuts, all together worth more

than 4 florins. I changed a Philip's florin for expenses, and besides that a gold florin for expenses. I gave 6

stivers for a panel, and did the portrait of the servant of the Portuguese on it in charcoal, and I gave him all

that for a New Year's present and 2 stivers for a tip. Changed 1 florin for expenses and gave Bernhard Stecher

a whole set of prints. I bought 31 stivers' worth of wood. I have made the portraits of Gerhard Bombelli and

Sebastian the procurator's daughter. I have changed 1 florin for expenses. Have spent 3 stivers besides 3 more

for a meal. I have given Herr Wolff of Rogendorf a "Passion" on copper and one in woodcut. Gerhard

Bombelli has given me a printed Turkish cloth, and Herr Wolff of Rogendorf gave me seven Brabant ells of

velvet, so I gave his man 1 Philip's florin for a tip. Spent 3 stivers on a meal; gave 4 stivers for tips. I have

drawn the new factor's portrait in charcoal. Gave 6 stivers for a panel. Have dined with the Portuguese IIIIIII

times, with the treasurer 1, with Tomasin IIIIIIIIII times. Gave 4 stivers for tips. With Lazarus of Ravensburg

1, Wolff of Rogendorf 1, Bernhard Stecher 1, Utz Hanolt Meyting 1, Caspar Lewenter 1. I gave 3 stivers to

the man whose portrait I drew; gave the boy 2 stivers. I have given 4 florins for flax. Have taken 4 florins for

prints; have changed 1 crown for expenses. Paid the furrier 4 stivers and again 2 stivers. Lost 4 stivers at

play; spent 6 stivers. I have changed 1 noble for expenses; gave 18 stivers for raisins and three pairs of

knives. I paid 2 florins for some meals at Jobst's. Have lost 4 stivers at play, and gave 6 stivers to the furrier.

Have given Master Jacob two engraved "St. Jeromes." Lost 2 stivers at play: changed 1 crown for expenses;

lost 1 stiver at play. Have given to Tomasin's three maids three pairs of knives, which cost 5 stivers. Have

taken 29 stivers for prints. Rodrigo gave me a muskball just as it had been cut from the musk deer, also a 1/4

lb. of persin [a dark red paint?] and a box full of quince electuary and a big box of sugar, so I gave his boy 5

Lost 2 stivers at play. I have done the portrait of Jobst's wife in charcoal. I have got 4 florins, 5 stivers for

three small canvases. Changed 2 florins in succession for expenses. Lost 2 stivers at play. My wife gave me 1

florin for the child, and 4 stivers in the child's bed. I have changed 1 crown for expenses; spent 4 stivers, lost

2 stivers at play, and gave 4 stivers to the messenger. Changed 1 florin for expenses.

I gave Master Dietrich, the glass painter, an "Apocalypse" and the six "Knots." Paid 40 stivers for flax. Lost 8

stivers at play. I have given the little Portuguese factor, Signor Francisco, my small canvas with the small

child, that is worth 10 florins. I have given Dr. Loffen at Antwerp the four books and an engraved "Jerome,"

and the same to Jobst Planckfelt. I have done the arms of Staiber and another. I have made a portrait of

Tomasin's son and daughter in silverpoint; also I have painted a small panel in oil of the Duke. Have got 3

stivers for engravings. Rodrigo, the Portuguese secretary, has given me two Calicut cloths, one of them is

silk, and he has given me an ornamented cap and a green jug with myrobalans, and a branch of cedar tree,

worth 10 florins altogether. And I gave the boy for a tip 5 stivers and 2 stivers for a brush.

I have made a drawing for a mask for the Fugger's people for masquerade, and they have given me an angel. I

have changed 1 florin for expenses. Gave 8 stivers for two little powder horns. Lost 3 stivers at play.

Changed an angel for expenses. I have drawn two sheets full of beautiful little masks for Tomasin. I have

painted a good "Veronica" face in oils; it is worth 12 florins. I gave it to Francisco, the Portuguese factor.

Since then I have painted Santa Veronica in oils; it is better than the former, and I gave it to Factor Brandan

of Portugal. Francisco gave the maid 1 Philip's florin for a tip, and afterwards, because of the "Veronica," 1

florin more, but the Factor Brandan gave her 1 florin. I paid Peter 8 stivers for two cases. I changed an angel

On Carnival Sunday early, the goldsmiths invited me to dinner, with my wife. In their assembly were many

notable men. They prepared a very grand meal, and did me the greatest honour. In the evening the old bailiff

of the town invited me and gave me a splendid meal, and did me great honour. Thither came many strange

I have drawn the portrait of Florent Nepotis, Lady Margaret's organist, in charcoal. On Monday night Herr

Lopez invited me to the great banquet on Shrove Tuesday, which lasted till two o'clock, and was very grand.

Herr Lorenz Sterk has given me a Spanish fur. And to the abovementioned feast came many very splendid

I have won 2 florins at play. Have changed an angel for expenses: paid 14 stivers for a basket of raisins. I

have made the portrait in charcoal of Bernhard von Castell, from whom I won the money. Tomasin's brother

Gerhardt has given me four Brabant ells of the best black satin, and has given me three big boxes of candied

citron, so I gave the maid 3 stivers for a tip. Paid 13 stivers for wood, and 2 stivers for pine kernels. I drew

Have changed 1 angel for expenses. I have drawn the portrait in black chalk of the good marble worker,

Master Johann, who looks like Christopher Kohler; he has studied in Italy, and comes from Metz. I have

changed 1 Horn florin for expenses. I have given 3 florins to Jan Turck for Italian works of art; I gave him 12

ducats' worth of works of art for one ounce of good ultramarine. I have sold a small woodcut of the "Passion"

for florins. I sold two reams and four books of Schauflein's prints for 3 florins. Have given 3 florins for two

ivory saltcellars from Calicut. Have taken 2 florins for prints; have changed 1 florin for expenses. Rudiger

von Gelern gave me a snail shell, together with coins of gold and silver, with an ort. I gave him in return the

three large books and an engraved "Knight;" have taken 11 stivers for prints. I gave 2 Philip's florins for "SS.

Peter and Paul," which I shall present to Herr Kohler's wife. Rodrigo has given me two boxes of quince

Electuary and all kinds of sweetmeats, and I gave 5 stivers for a tip, Paid 16 stivers for boxes.

Lazarus of Ravensburg gave me a sugar loaf, so I gave his boy 1 stiver. Paid 6 stivers for wood. Have eaten

once with the Frenchman; twice with the Hirschvogel's Fritz, and once with Master Peter, the secretary, when

Erasmus of Rotterdam also dined with us. I paid 1 stiver to be allowed to go up the tower at Antwerp, which

is said to be higher than that at Strasburg. From thence I saw the whole town on all sides, which was very

pleasant. Paid 1 stiver for a bath. Have changed 1 angel for expenses. The Factor Brandon of Portugal has

given me two large beautiful white sugar loaves, a dishful of sweetmeats, two green pots of preserves, and

Paid the messenger 3 stivers. I have drawn twice in the more in silverpoint the beautiful maiden for Gerhardt.

Again changed an angel for expenses; took 4 florins for prints; paid 10 stivers for Rodrigo's case. Dined with

the treasurer, Herr Lorenz Sterk, who gave me an ivory whistle and a very beautiful piece of porcelain, and I

have given him a whole set of prints. I also gave a whole set to Herr Adrian, the Antwerp town orator. Also I

changed a Philip's florin for expenses. I presented a sitting "St. Nicolas" to the largest and richest guild of

merchants at Antwerp, for which they have made me a present of 3 Philip's florins. I gave Peter Egidius the

old frame of the "St. Jerome" besides 4 gulden for a frame for the treasurer's likeness. Paid 11 stivers for

wood. Again changed a Philip's florin for expenses. Gave 4 stivers for a bore. Gave 3 stivers for three canes. I

have handed over my bale to Jacob and Andreas Hessler to take to Nuremberg, and I am to pay them 2 florins

per cwt., Nuremberg weight, and they are to take it to Herr Hans Imhof, the elder, and I have paid 2 florins on

it. Moreover I have done it up in a packing case. This was in the year 1521, on the Saturday before Judicz.

Also on the Saturday before Judicz, Rodrigo gave me six large Indian cocoanuts, a very fine piece of coral,

and two large Portuguese florins, one of which weighs 10 ducats, and I gave the boy 15 stivers for a tip. I

have bought a lode stone for 16 stivers. I have changed an angel for expenses. Paid 6 stivers for packing.

Sent Master Hugo at Brussels an engraved "Passion" and some other prints for his little porphyry stone. I

have made for Tomasin a design drawn and tinted in halfcolours, from which he means to have his house

painted. I painted "Jerome" in oils with care and gave it to Rodrigo of Portugal, who gave Susanna a ducat for

a tip. Have changed a Philip's florin for expenses and gave 10 stivers to my Father Confessor. Gave 4 stivers

for the little tortoise. I have dined with Herr Gilbert, who gave me a Calicut target made of a fish skin, and

two gloves as they use them for fighting. I have given Peter 2 stivers. Gave 10 stivers for the fish fins, and 3

stivers for a tip. I have made a very good portrait in hard chalk of Cornelius, the secretary of Antwerp.

I have given 3 florins, 16 stivers, for the five silk girdles which I mean to give away, besides 20 stivers for an

edging [lace?]. These six edgings I have sent as presents to the wives of Kasperi Nutzel, Franz Imhof, Straub,

the two Spenglers, Loffelholz, besides a good pair of gloves to each. To Pirkheimer I have sent a large cap, a

very handsome buffalo horn inkstand, a silver [medal of the] Emperor, a pound of pistachios, and three sugar

canes. To Kasper Ntitzel I have sent a great elk's foot, ten large fir cones with pine kernels. To Jacob Muffel I

have sent a scarlet breast cloth of one ell; to Hans Imhof's child an embroidered scarlet cap and pine kernels;

to Kramer's wife four ells of taffeta, worth 4 florins. To Lochinger's wife one ell of taffeta, of 1 florin's worth;

to the two Spenglers, each a bag and three fine horns; to Herr Hieronimus Holzschuher, a very large horn.

Have eaten twice with the factor; dined with Master Adrian, the secretary of the town council of Antwerp,

who gave me the small painted panel made by Master Joachim [de Patinir]: it is of " Lot and his Daughters."

Have taken 12 florins for prints, also I have sold some of Hans Baldung Grun's works for 1 florin. Rudiger

von Gelern has given me a piece of sandalwood; I gave his boy a stiver. I have painted the portrait of

Bernhard of Brussels in oils; he gave me 8 florins for it, and gave my wife a crown, and Susanna a florin

worth 24 stivers. I have given 3 stivers for the Swiss jug, and 2 stivers for the ship, also 3 stivers for the case

and 4 stivers to the Father Confessor. I have changed an angel for expenses; have taken 4 florins, 10 stivers

for works of art: paid 3 stivers for salve; gave 12 1/2 stivers for wood; changed 1 florin for expenses; have

given 1 florin for 14 pieces of French wood. I gave Ambrozio Hochstutter a " Life of Our Lady," and he gave

me a model of his ship. Rodrigo gave my wife a little ring which is worth more than 5 florins. Have changed

I have done the portrait of Factor Brandon's secretary in charcoal; I have done the portrait of his Moorish

woman in silverpoint, and I have done Rodrigo's portrait on a large sheet of paper with the brush, in black

and white. I have given 16 florins for a piece of camlet measuring twentyfour ells, and it cost 1 stiver to

bring home. Have paid 2 stivers for gloves. I have done Lucas of Dantzic's portrait in charcoal. He gave me 1

On the Saturday after Easter, with Hans Luber and Master Jan Prevost, a good painter born at Bruges, I set

out from Antwerp towards Bruges by way of the Scheldt and came to Beveren, a large village. From there to

Vracene, also a big village; thence we passed through some villages and came to a fine large village, where

the rich farmers live, and there we breakfasted. Thence we journeyed towards St. Paul's, the rich abbey, and

went through Caudenborn, a fine village; thence through the large village of Kalve, and thence to Ertvelde;

there we lay the night and started early on Sunday morning and came from Ertvelde to a small town. From

that we went to Ecloo, which is a mighty large village; it is plastered, and has a square; there we breakfasted.

Thence we went to Maldegem, and then through other villages, and came to Brugeswhich is a fine noble

town. I paid 21 stivers for fare and other expenses. And arriving at Bruges, Jan Prevost took me into his

house to lodge, and the same night prepared a costly meal, and asked much company to meet me.

The next day Marx, the goldsmith, invited me, and gave me a costly meal and asked many to meet me;

afterwards they took me to see the Emperor's house, which is large and splendid. There I saw the chapel

which Roger painted, and some pictures by a great old artist. I gave the man who showed them to us 1 stiver;

afterwards I bought two ivory combs for 30 stivers. Thence they took me to St. James's and let me see the

splendid paintings of Roger and Hugo, who are both great masters. Afterwards I saw the alabaster Madonna

in Our Lady's Church that Michelangelo of Rome made; afterwards they took me to many churches and let

me see all the fine paintings, of which there is abundance there, and when I had seen the Jan [Van Eyck] and

all the other things, we came at last to the Painters' Chapel, in which there are good things. Then they

prepared a banquet for me, and I went thence with them to their guildhall; there were many honourable men

gathered together, goldsmiths, painters, and merchants, and they made me sup with them, and they gave me

presents and sought my acquaintance and did me great honour; and the two brothers Jacob and Peter

Mostaert, the town councilors, gave me twelve cans of wine, and the whole assembly, more than sixty

persons, accompanied me home with many torches. I also saw in their shooting gallery the great fish tub from

Early on Tuesday we departed, but before that, I did Jan Prevost's portrait in silverpoint, and gave his wife 10

stivers at parting. And so we traveled to Ursel; there we breakfasted. On the way there are three villages.

Then we traveled towards Ghent, again through three villages, and I paid 4 stivers for the journey, and 4

stivers for expenses; and on my arrival at Ghent, there came to me the dean of the painters and brought with

him the first masters in painting; they showed me great honour, received me most courteously, and

commended to me their goodwill and service, and supped with me. On Wednesday early they took me to the

tower of St. John's, whence I looked all over the great and wonderful town, where I had just been treated as a

great person. Afterwards I saw the Jan [Van Eyck's] picture, which is a very splendid, deeply studied

painting, and especially the "Eve," the "Mary," and "God the Father" were extremely good.

Then I saw the lions and drew one of them in silverpoint; also I saw on the bridge, where men are beheaded,

two pictures which were made as a sign that there a son had beheaded his father. Ghent is beautiful and a

wonderful town; four great waters flow through it. I gave 3 stivers as a tip to the sacristan and the lions'

keeper. I saw many other remarkable things in Ghent, and the painters with their dean did not forget me, but

ate with me morning and evening, and paid for everything, and were very friendly. I gave away 3 stivers at

the inn on leaving. Then early on Thursday I set out from Ghent and came through various villages to the inn

called "The Swan," where we breakfasted; thence we passed through a beautiful village and came to

I have taken 4 florins for works of art; changed one florin for expenses. Have taken the portrait of Hans

Lieber of Ulm in charcoal; he wished to pay me 1 florin, but I would not take it. Gave 7 stivers for wood and

1 stiver for bringing it; changed 1 florin for expenses. In the third week after Easter a violent fever came upon

me with great weakness, nausea, and headache; and before, when I was in Zeeland, a strange illness

overcame me such as I never heard of from anyone, and this illness I have still. I paid 6 stivers for a case. The

monk has bound two books for me for the prints which I gave him. I have given 10 florins, 8 stivers for a

piece of arras for two mantles for my motherinlaw and my wife. I gave the doctor 8 stivers, and 3 stivers to

the apothecary, also changed 1 florin for expenses and spent 3 stivers in company. Paid the doctor 10 stivers;

During my illness Rodrigo sent me many sweetmeats; I gave the boy 4 stivers for a tip. I have drawn Master

Joachim [Patinir] in silverpoint, and made him besides another likeness in silverpoint. Again changed a

crown for expenses, and again 1 florin for expenses. Paid the doctor 6 stivers, and 7 stivers at the

apothecary's; changed 1 florin for expenses. For packing the third bale, which I sent from Antwerp to

Nuremberg by a carrier called Hans Staber, I paid 13 stivers, and I paid the carrier 1 florin for it, and I agreed

with him to take it from Antwerp to Nuremberg for 1 florin, I ort, per cwt., and this bale is to be taken to Herr

Hans Imhof, the elder. I have paid the doctor, the apothecary, and the barber 14 stivers. I gave Master Jacob,

the surgeon, 4 florins' worth of prints. I have made a portrait in charcoal of Thomas Polonius of Rome.

My camlet cloak came to twentyone Brabant ells, which are three fingerbreadths longer than the

Nuremberg ells. I have also bought four black Spanish skins, which cost 3 stivers each, and they come to 34,

that makes 10 florins, 2 stivers; I paid the skinner [furrier] 1 florin to make them up, then there were two ells

of velvet for trimming, 5 florins; also for silk cord and thread, 34 stivers; then the tailor's wage, 30 stivers; the

camlet which is in the cloak cost 14 1/2 florins, and the boy 5 stivers for a tip.

Cross Sunday after Easter; from this I start a fresh account. Again paid the doctor 6 stivers; I have gained 53

stivers for works of art, and have taken them for expenses. On Sunday before Holy Cross Week, Master

Joachim [Patinir], the good landscape painter, asked me to his wedding, and showed me all honour; there I

saw two beautiful plays, the first was especially pious and devout. I again paid the doctor 6 stivers, and have

On Sunday after Our Lord's Ascension, Master Dietrich, the glass painter of Antwerp, invited me and asked

many other people to meet me, and especially among them Alexander, the goldsmith, a rich, stately man, and

we had a splendid dinner, and they did me great honour. I have done in charcoal the portrait of Master Marx,

the goldsmith, who lives at Bruges. I bought a broad cap for 36 stivers. I paid Paul Geiger 1 florin to take my

little chest to Nuremberg, and 4 stivers for the letter. I have taken the portrait of Ambrosius Hochstatter in

charcoal, and I dined with him: I have dined at least six times with Tomasin. I bought some wooden dishes

and platters for 3 stivers. I have given the apothecary 12 stivers. I have given two books of the "Life of Our

Lady," one to the foreign surgeon, the other to Marx's house servant; I also paid the doctor 8 stivers, and gave

4 stivers for cleaning an old cap. Lost 4 stivers at play; have given 2 florins for a new cap. I have changed the

Painted a portrait of the duke in oils: have made a very fine and careful portrait in oils of the treasurer, Lorenz

Sterk; it was worth 25 florins. I presented it to him, and in return he gave me 20 florins, and to Susanna 1

florin for a tip. Likewise I painted the portrait of Jobst, my host, very well and carefully in oils; he has now

given me [the portrait I did of him before?] and I have done his wife again and painted her portrait in oils.

On the Friday before Whitsuntide, 1521, tidings came to me at Antwerp that Martin Luther had been so

treacherously taken prisoner, for he trusted the Emperor Charles's herald, who had been granted to him with

the Imperial safe conduct, but as soon as the herald had brought him near Eisenach, to an unfriendly place, he

said that he would not need him any more and rode away. Immediately there appeared ten knights, who

treacherously carried off the pious man, who had been betrayed; a man enlightened by the Holy Ghost, a

follower of Christ and of the true Christian faith, and whether he lives yet or whether they have put him to

death, I know not. If he has suffered, it is for the sake of Christian truth and because he has fought with the

unChristlike papacy, which strives with its heavy load of human laws against the redemption of Christ; and

if so, it is that we may be again robbed and stripped of the fruit of our blood and sweat, that the same may be

shamelessly and scandalously squandered while poor and sick men must therefore die of hunger. And this is

above all most grievous to me, that God perhaps will let us remain yet under their false, blind doctrine,

invented and set forth by the men whom they call "Fathers," through whom the Word of God is in many

[Editor's note: This form of abduction was the usual idea at the time. But Luther was really taken by the order

O God of Heaven, have pity on us, O Lord Jesus Christ, pray for Thy people. Deliver us in due time, uphold

in us the right and true Christian Faith. Gather together Thy far scattered sheep by Thy voice, in the Scripture

called Thy godly Word. Help us that we may know this Thy voice and may follow no other deceiving call of

human error, that we may not, Lord Jesus Christ, fall away from Thee. Call together again the sheep of Thy

pasture, who are still in part found in the Roman Church, and with them, too, the Indians, Muscovites,

Russians, and Greeks, who have been thus cut off by the oppression and pride of the pope and by false

O God, redeem thy poor folk constrained by heavy ban and edict which it no wise willingly obeys, whereby it

is bound continually to sin against its conscience if it disobeys them. O God, never hast Thou so heavily

burdened a people under human laws as us poor ones beneath the Roman chair, who daily long to be free

O Highest Heavenly Father, pour into our hearts through Thy Son Jesus Christ such a light, that we may

know thereby which messenger we are to obey, so that with good conscience we may lay aside the burdens of

others, and may serve Thee, Eternal Heavenly Father, with free and joyful heart.

And if we lose this man, who has written more clearly than anyone in a hundred and forty years, and to whom

Thou hast given such an evangelic spirit, we pray Thee, O Heavenly Father, that Thou give again Thy spirit

to another, that he may gather together anew from all parts the holy Christian Church, that we may all live

again in a pure and Christian manner, so that from our good works all unbelievers, with Turks, heathens, and

But, Lord, Thou willest, ere Thou judgest, that as Thy Son Jesus Christ was constrained to die by the hands of

the priests and rise from the dead and after to ascend to heaven, that so too, in like manner, it should be with

Thy follower, Martin Luther, whose life the pope compasses, with money, treacherously towards God, him,

Thou wilt quicken again. And as Thou, Lord, ordainedst that Jerusalem should be destroyed, so wilt Thou

also destroy this selfassumed authority of the Roman chair. O lord, give us thereafter the new beautified

Jerusalem, which descends from heaven, whereof the Apocalypse writes, the holy pure gospel which is not

Whoever reads Martin Luther's books may see how clear and transparent his doctrine is, for he teaches the

Holy Gospel. Wherefore his writings are to be held in the greatest honour, and not to be burned; unless,

indeed, his opponents, who always fight against the truth, were also cast into the fire with all their opinions,

they who would make gods out of men, but then only if there were printed new Lutheran books.

"O God, if Luther be dead, who will henceforth expound the Holy Gospel so clearly to us! Ah, God, what

might he not have written for us in the next ten or twenty years! "Oh, all ye pious Christian men, help me to

lament this God inspired man and pray to Him that He will send us another enlightened man.

Oh, Erasmus of Rotterdam, where wilt thou stay? Dost thou see how the unjust tyranny of worldly power and

the might of darkness prevail? Hear, thou knight of Christ, ride on beside the Lord Jesus; guard the truth, win

the martyr's crown! Thou art already only a little old man, and I have heard thee say that thou givest thyself

but two years more in which thou mayest avail to accomplish something. Lay out the same now well for the

gospel and the true Christian Faith and make thyself heard, so shall the gates of hell, the Roman Chair, as

Christ says, in no wise prevail against thee: and if here, like thy Master Christ, thou were to suffer shame at

the hands of the liars of this time and therefore were to die a little sooner, the sooner wouldst thou come from

death into life and be glorified through Christ. For if thou drinkest out of the cup whereof He drank, with Him

Oh, Erasmus, hold to this, that God may be thy praise, even as it is written of David, for verily thou mayest

overthrow Goliath. For God stands by the Holy Christian Church, as He only upholds the Romish Church

according to His Godly will [text here corrupt]. May He help us to everlasting happiness, Who is God the

Oh, ye Christian men, pray God for help, for His judgment draws near and His justice shall appear. Then

shall we behold the innocent blood which the pope, priests, bishops, and monks have shed, judged and

Apocalypse: "These are the slain who lie beneath the altar of God and cry for vengeance, to whom the voice

of God answers, Await the full number of the innocent slain, then will I judge."

Again changed 1 florin for expenses, and gave the doctor 8 stivers; dined twice with Rodrigo; dined with the

rich canon; changed 1 florin for expenses. I had Master Conrad, the sculptor of Mechlin, as a guest on

Whitsunday; paid 18 stivers for Italian prints: again 6 stivers to the doctor. For Master Joachim I have drawn

On the last day of Whitsuntide I was at Antwerp at the great yearly horsefair; there I saw a great number of

beautiful stallions ridden, and two stallions in particular were sold for 700 florins. I have taken 1 florin, 3 ort,

for prints and used the money for expenses; 4 stivers to the doctor, 3 stivers for two little books. I have dined

thrice with Tomasin. I have designed three dagger grips for him, and he gave me a small alabaster bowl. I

have taken the portrait in charcoal of an English nobleman, who gave me 1 florin which I changed for

expenses. Master Gerhardt, the miniature painter, has a daughter about eighteen years old, called Susanna,

who has illuminated a little page with a Saviour, for which I gave her 1 florin. It is very wonderful that a

woman's picture should be so good. Have lost 6 stivers at play. I saw the great procession at Antwerp on Holy

Trinity Day. Master Conrad has given me a beautiful pair of knives, and so I gave his little old man a "Life of

Our Lady" in return. I have taken the portrait in charcoal of Johann, the Brussels goldsmith, likewise his

wife's. I have received 2 florins for prints, also Master Johann, the Brussels goldsmith, paid me 3 Philip's

florins for what I did for him, namely, the drawing for the seal and the two portraits.

I have given the "Veronica" which I painted in oils, and the "Adam and Eve" that Franz did to Johann, the

goldsmith, in return for a jacinth and an agate with a Lucrecia engraved in it. Each of us valued his portion at

14 florins. Further, I gave him a whole set of engravings for a ring and six stones; each valued his portion at 7

florins. Gave 14 stivers for two pairs of gloves; gave 2 stivers for two small boxes; changed 2 Philip's florins

for expenses. I drew three "Bearing of the Cross" and two "Mount of Olives" on five halfsheets. I have

taken three portraits in black and white on gray paper; also I drew in black and white on gray paper, two

Netherlandish costumes. For the Englishman I have painted his arms in colours, for which he gave me 1

florin. Besides this, one way and another, I have done many drawings and other things to serve people, and

for the greater part of my work I have received nothing. Andreas of Cracow paid me 1 Philip's florin for a

shield and a child's head. Changed 1 florin for expenses. Have given 2 stivers for sweeping brushes. At

Antwerp I saw the great procession on Corpus Christi Day, which was very splendid. Gave in the 4 stivers for

a tip and 6 stivers to the doctor; changed 1 florin for expenses; 1 stiver for a box. Have dined five times with

Tomasin; paid 10 stivers to the apothecary and to his wife 14 stivers for the clyster, and 15 stivers to him for

the prescription. Again changed 2 Philip's florins for expenses; 6 stivers again to the doctor, and once more

10 stivers for a clyster to the apothecary's wife, and 4 stivers to the apothecary. I gave the monk who

confessed my wife 8 stivers. I have given 8 florins for a whole piece of arras, and again for fourteen ells of

fine arras, 8 florins: the apothecary 32 stivers for medicines; to the messenger I have given 3 stivers and the

tailor 4 stivers. I have dined once with Hans Fehler, and thrice with Tomasin. Gave 10 stivers for packing.

On the Wednesday after Corpus Christi in the year 1521, I gave over my great bale at Antwerp to be sent to

Nuremberg, to the carrier, by name Kunz Metz of Schlaudersdorf, and I am to pay him for carrying it to

Nuremberg 1 1/2 florins for every cwt., and I paid him 1 gulden on account, and he is to hand it over to Herr

Hans Imhof, the elder. I have done the portrait of young Jacob Rehlinger at Antwerp; have dined three times

On the eighth day after Corpus Christi I went with my wife to Mechlin to Lady Margaret; took 5 florins with

me for expenses; my wife changed 1 florin for expenses. At Mechlin I lodged with Master Heinrich, the

painter, at the sign of the Golden Head. The painters and sculptors made me their guest at my inn, and did me

great honour in their gathering; and I visited the Poppenreuter's, the gunmaker's house, and found wonderful

things there. And I have been to Lady Margaret's, and I let her see my Kaiser, and would have presented it to

her, but she disliked it so much that I took it away again. And on Friday Lady Margaret showed me all her

beautiful things, and among them I saw about forty small pictures in oils, the like of which for cleanness and

excellence I have never seen. And there I saw other good works by Jan [Van Eyck] and Jacopo [de' Barbari].

I asked my lady for Jacopo's little book, but she said she had promised it to her painter; then I saw many other

costly things and a fine library. Master Hans Poppenreuter invited me as his guest. I have had Master Conrad

twice, and his wife once, as my guests, also the chamberlain Stephen and his wife, both as guests. 27 stivers

and 2 stivers for fare. I have taken in charcoal the portrait of Stephen, the chamberlain, and Master Conrad,

the carver, and on Saturday I came back from Mechlin to Antwerp. My trunk started on the Saturday after

Corpus Christi week. Changed 1 florin for expenses, gave the messenger 3 stivers. Dined twice with the

Augustines; dined with Alexander Imhof; paid 6 stivers at the apothecary's; dined again with the Augustines.

I have drawn in charcoal Master Jacob, and had a little panel made for it, which cost 6 stivers, and gave it to

him. I have done the portrait of Bernhard Stecher and his wife, and gave him a whole set of prints, and I took

his wife's portrait again, and gave 6 stivers for making the little panel, all of which I gave him, and he in

Master Lucas, who engraves in copper, invited me as his guest. He is a little man, born at Leyden, in Holland,

and was at Antwerp. I have eaten with Master Bernhard Stecher. Gave 1 1/2 stivers to the messenger; have

taken 1 florin, 1 ort, for prints. I have drawn Master Lucas von Leyden in silverpoint. I have lost 1 florin; paid

the doctor 6 stivers and again 6 stivers. I gave the steward of the Augustines' Convent at Antwerp a "Life of

Our Lady," and 4 stivers to his man, I have given Master Jacob a copper "Passion" and a wood "Passion," and

five other pieces, and 4 stivers to his man; have changed 4 florins for expenses; gave 2 Philip's florins for

fourteen fish skins; made portraits in black chalk of Art Braun and his wife. I gave the goldsmith who valued

the ring for me 1 florin's worth of prints; of the three rings which I took in exchange for prints, the two

smaller are valued at 13 crowns, but the sapphire at 25 crowns; that makes 54 florins, 8 stivers; and what,

amongst other things, the above Frenchman took was thirtysix large books, which makes 9 florins. Have

given 2 stivers for a screw knife. The man with the three rings has overreached me by a half. I understood

nothing in the matter. I gave 18 stivers for a red cap for my godchild; lost 12 stivers at play; drank 2 stivers,

bought three fine small rubies for 11 gold florins, 1 2 stivers; changed 1 florin for expenses. Dined again with

the Augustines; dined twice with Tomasin. I gave 6 stivers for thirteen porpoisebristle brushes, and 3 stivers

I have made a careful portrait in black chalk on a royal sheet of the great Anthony Hainault, and I have done

careful portraits in black chalk of Braun and his wife on royal sheets, and I have done another one of him in

silverpoint; he has given me an angel. Changed 1 florin for expenses, paid 1 florin for a pair of shoes; gave 6

stivers for an inkstand. I gave 12 stivers for a case for packing; 21 stivers for one dozen ladies' gloves; 6

stivers for a bag; 3 stivers for three bristle brushes; changed 1 florin for expenses; gave 1 stiver for a piece of

fine red leather. Anthony Hainault, whose portrait I did, has given me 3 Philip's florins, and Bernhard Stecher

has made me a present of a tortoise shell; I have done the portrait of his wife's niece; dined once with her

husband and he gave me 2 Philip's florins; gave 1 stiver for a tip. I have given Anthony Hainault two books;

received 13 stivers for prints. I have given Master Joachim the Hans Grun woodcut. I have changed 3 Philip's

florins for expenses; dined twice with Bernhard Stecher; again twice with Tomasin. I have given Jobst's wife

four woodcuts; gave Friedrich, Jobst's man, two large books; gave glazier Hennick's son two books. Rodrigo

gave me one of the parrots which they bring from Malacca, and I gave his man 3 stivers for a tip. Again dined

twice with Tomasin; have given 2 stivers for a little cage, 3 stivers for one pair of socks, and 4 stivers for

eight little boards. I gave Peter two whole sheet engravings and one sheet of woodcut. Again dined twice with

Tomasin; changed 1 florin for expenses. I gave Master Art, the glass painter, a "Life of Our Lady," and I gave

Master Jean, the French sculptor, a whole set of prints; he gave my wife six little glasses with rose water;

Bought a packingcase for 7 stivers; changed 1 florin for expenses; have given 7 stivers for a cut [leather]

bag. Cornelius, the secretary, has given me Luther's "Babylonian Captivity:" in return I gave him my three

big books. I gave Peter Puz, the monk, one florin's worth of prints; to the glass painter, Hennick, I gave two

large books; gave 4 stivers for a piece of glazed calico; changed 1 Philip's florin for expenses. I gave 8

florins' worth of my prints for a whole set of Lucas's engravings; again changed 1 Philip's florin for expenses.

I gave 8 stivers for a bag and 7 stivers for half a dozen Netherlandish cards, and 3 stivers for a small yellow

posthorn. I paid 24 stivers for meat, 12 stivers for coarse cloth, and again 3 stivers for coarse cloth. Have

eaten twice with Tomasin. I gave 1 stiver to Peter; gave 7 stivers for a present and 3 stivers for sacking.

Rodrigo has presented me with six ells of coarse black cloth for a cape; it cost a crown an ell. Changed 2

florins for expenses; gave the tailor's man 2 stivers for a tip. I have reckoned up with Jobst and I owe him 31

florins, which I paid him. Therein were charged and deducted two portrait heads which I painted in oils, for

In all my doings, spendings, sales, and other dealings in the Netherlands, in all my affairs with high and low,

I have suffered loss, and Lady Margaret in particular gave me nothing for what I gave her and did for her.

This settlement with Jobst was made on SS. Peter and Paul's Day. I gave Rodrigo's man 7 stivers for a tip. I

have given Master Hennick an engraved "Passion;" he gave me some burning pastilles. I had to pay the tailor

25 stivers for making up the cape. I have engaged a carrier to take me from Antwerp to Cologne. I am to pay

him 13 light florins, each of 24 stivers, and am to pay besides the expenses for a man and a boy. Jacob

Rehlinger has given me 1 ducat for his charcoal portrait. Gerhard has given me two little pots with capers and

olives, for which I gave 4 stivers as a tip. Gave Rodrigo's man 1 stiver. I have given my portrait of the

Emperor in exchange for a white English cloth which Jacob, Tomasin's soninlaw, gave me.

Alexander Imhof has lent me a full hundred gold florins, on the Eve of Our Lady's Crossing the Mountains,

1521. For this I have given him my sealed signature, which he will have presented to me at Nuremberg, when

I will pay him back with thanks, gave 6 stivers for a pair of shoes; paid the apothecary 11 stivers, paid 3

stivers for cord. In Tomasin's kitchen I gave away a Philip's florin in leaving gifts, and I gave his maiden

daughter a gold florin on leaving. I have dined thrice with him. I gave Jobst's wife a florin and 1 florin in the

kitchen for leaving gifts, also I gave 2 stivers to the packers. Tomasin has given me a small jar full of the best

theriac [an antidote for poison]. Changed 3 florins for expenses; gave the house servant 10 stivers on leaving;

gave Peter 1 stiver; gave 2 stivers for a tip. I gave 3 stivers to Master Jacob's man; 4 stivers for sacking; gave

On Our Lady's Visitation, when I was just leaving Antwerp, the King of Denmark sent for me to come to him

at once, to do his portrait; this I did in charcoal, and I did the portrait, too, of his servant Anthony, and I had

I have entrusted my bale to Leonhard Tucher and given over to him my white cloth. The carrier with whom I

bargained, did not take me; I fell out with him. Gerhard has given me some Italian seeds. I gave the new

carrier to take home the great turtle shell, the fish shield, the long pipe, the long shield, the fish fins, and the

Next day we set out for Brussels on the King of Denmark's business, and I engaged a driver, to whom I gave

2 florins. I presented to the King of Denmark the best pieces of all my prints, they are worth 5 florins.

Changed 2 florins for expenses; paid 1 stiver for a dish and basket. I saw, too, how the people of Antwerp

wondered very much when they saw the King of Denmark, that he was such a manly, handsome man, and

that he had come hither with only two companions through his enemies' country. I saw, too, how the Emperor

rode forth from Brussels to meet him and received him honourably and with great pomp. Then I saw the

Paid 2 stivers for a pair of gloves. Herr Anthony paid me 12 Horn florins, of which I gave 2 Horn florins to

the painter for the little panel to paint the portrait on, and 2 Horn florins for having colours rubbed for me; the

On the Sunday before St. Margaret's Day, the King of Denmark gave a great banquet to the Emperor, Lady

Margaret, and the Queen of Spain [Editor's note: probably Eleanora of Portugal, not the Spanish Queen], and

invited me, and I dined there also. Paid 12 stivers for the King's frame, and I painted the King in oilshe has

I gave 2 stivers to the young man called Bartholomew, who rubbed the colours for me; I bought a little glass

jar which once belonged to the King for 2 stivers. Paid 2 stivers for a tip; gave 2 stivers for the engraved

goblets. I have given Master Jan's boy four halfsheets, and to the master painter's boy an "Apocalypse" and

four halfsheets. Thomas of Bologna has given me one or two Italian prints; I have also bought one for 1

stiver. Master Jobst, the tailor, invited me and I supped with him. I have paid for the hire of a room at

Brussels for eight days, 32 stivers. I have given an engraved "Passion" to the wife of Master Jan, the

goldsmith, with whom I dined three times. I gave another "Life of Our Lady" to Bartholomew, the painter's

apprentice; I have dined with Herr Nicolas Ziegler, and gave 1 stiver to Master Jan's servant. Because of

being unable to get a carriage, I have stayed on two days in Brussels; paid 1 stiver for a pair of socks.

On Friday morning early I started from Brussels, and I am to pay the driver 10 florins. I paid my hostess 5

stivers more for the single night. From there we rode through two villages and came to Louvain; breakfasted,

and spent 13 stivers. Thence we journeyed through three villages and came to Thienen, which is a little town,

and lay the night there, and I spent 9 stivers. From there, early on St. Margaret's Day, we traveled through

two villages and came to a town which called St. Truyen, where they are building a large, welldesigned

church tower, quite new. From thence we went on past some poor houses and came to a little town,

Tongeren; there we had our morning meal, and spent all together, 6 stivers. From thence we went through a

village and some poor houses and came to Maestricht, where I lay the night, and spent 12 stivers, and 2

blanke besides, for watch money. Thence we journeyed early on Sunday to Aachen, where we ate and spent

all together 14 stivers. Thence we traveled to Altenburg, taking six hours, because the driver did not know the

way and went wrong; there we stayed for the night and spent 6 stivers. On Monday early we traveled through

Julich, a town, and came to Bergheim, where we ate and drank, and spent 3 stivers. Thence we journeyed

5. BRIEF EXCERPT FROM THE INTRODUCTION TO THE 1913 EDITION, WRITTEN BY ROGER FRY (1866-1934):, page = 4

8. PART II: DIARY OF A JOURNEY THE NETHERLANDS (July, 1520- July, 1521), page = 15