st subtle delicacy that can
possibly be achieved in engraving. In the year 1512 there issued from
the hand of the same master sixteen little scenes of the Passion of
Jesus Christ, engraved so well on copper, that there are no little
figures to be seen that are more beautiful, sweet, and graceful, nor any
that are stronger in relief.

Spurred likewise by rivalry, the same Lucas of Holland executed twelve
similar plates, very beautiful, and yet not so perfect in engraving and
design; and, in addition to these, a S. George who is comforting the
Maiden, who is weeping because she is destined to be devoured by the
Dragon; and also a Solomon, who is worshipping idols; the Baptism of
Christ; Pyramus and Thisbe; and Ahasuerus with Queen Esther kneeling
before him. Albrecht, on his part, not wishing to be surpassed by Lucas
either in the number or in the excellence of his works, engraved a nude
figure on some clouds, and a Temperance with marvellous wings, holding
a cup of gold and a bridle, with a most delicate little landscape; and
then a S. Eustachio kneeling before the stag, which has the Crucifix
between its horns, a sheet which is amazing, and particularly for the
beauty of some dogs in various attitudes, which could not be more
perfect. Among the many children of various kinds that he made for the
decoration of arms and devices, he engraved some who are holding a
shield, wherein is a Death with a cock for crest, the feathers of which
are rendered in such detail, that it would be impossible to execute
anything more delicate with the burin.

Finally, he published the sheet with S. Jerome in the habit of a
Cardinal, writing, with the Lion sleeping at his feet. In this work
Albrecht represented a room with windows of glass, through which stream
the rays of the sun, falling on the place where the Saint sits writing,
with an effect so natural, that it is a marvel; besides which, there are
books, timepieces, writings, and so many other things, that nothing more
and nothing better could be done in this field of art. Not long
afterwards, in the year 1523, he executed a Christ with the twelve
Apostles, in little figures, which was almost the last of his works.
There may also be seen prints of many heads taken from life by him, such
as that of Erasmus of Rotterdam, that of Cardinal Albrecht of
Brandenburg, Elector of the Empire, and also his own. Nor, with all the
engravings that he produced, did he ever abandon painting; nay, he w