Scabbard, design on classical themes by Hans Holbein the Younger, circa 1530

Design for a scabbard with the judgement of paris, pyramus and thisbe, and venus and cupid. Pen and ink, 28. 1 × 6. 9 cm, kunstmuseum basel. This design for a scabbard is in the loose style holbein used early in the design process. It contains four images in ornamental frames. The classical myths illustrated all concern the power of love. Since it seems to take account of the reversal of sides, it may be a design for a print. It could also be a design for a goldsmith (müller, 407). Date: circa 1530.