Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus

Creator: Tobias Stimmer
Technique: wood engraving
Date: 1587
Description: Illustration from Icones sive imagines virorum literis illustrium by Nicolaus Reusner published in 1587. The print, a copy of a drawing by Tobias Stimmer, is the earliest published graphic portrait of the astronomer. The portrait features the upper part of Copernicus body turned to the right. The astronomer is holding a lily-of-the-valley - an attribute of physicians - in his right hand. Under his right eyebrow there is a characteristic 'scar' which in fact was on the left side of his face. The engraving was reprinted in later editions of Icones... in 1589, 1590 and 1719
Location: Regional Museum in Toruń