Museum. And no one can examine them,
remembering that the painter was but nineteen, without echoing the
exclamation of a brilliant French writer: "Holbein ira beaucoup plus
loin dans son art, mais deja il est superbe." These warm translucent
browns are instinct with life and beauty.

Against the rich Renaissance architecture and the blue of the sky-vista
the massive head of Meyer and the blonde one of his young wife,--the
latter so expressive of half-proud, half-shy consciousness,--stand out
in wonderful vigour. From the scarlet cap on his thickly curling
brown hair to the piece of money between his thumb and finger, the
Burgomaster's picture is a virile and masterly portrait. And just as
forcefully is the charm of his pretty wife,--with all her bravery
of scarlet frock, gold embroidery, head-dress and chains,--her own
individual charm. They are both as much themselves in this fine
architectural setting as in their own good house "of the Hare" which
adjoined the rising glories of the new Renaissance "Council Hall"
(_Rathaus_) in which Meyer was to preside so often.

In 1516 he had just been elected Mayor for the first time; but after
this he had many consecutive re-elections in the alternate years which
permitted this. For no burgomaster could hold office for two years in
actual succession. Previous to being Mayor he had been an eminent
personage as master of the guilds. And both before and after his
mayoralty he was a distinguished soldier,--rising from ensign to captain
in the Basel contingent which served at different times among the
Auxiliaries of France and of the Pope.

But what made this election of 1516 a civic epoch was that Meyer zum
Hasen (there were many unrelated Meyers in Basel, and two among
Holbein's patrons, who must be carefully distinguished according to the
name of the house each occupied) was the first Burgomaster ever elected
in this city from below the knightly rank. While the piece of money in his
hand, far from fulfilling the absurd purpose sometimes suggested,--that
of showing his claim to wealth!--marks another civic event of this year.
For it was on the 10th of January, 1516, that the Emperor Maximilian had
just issued the Charter which gave to Basel the right to mint her own
gold coins. In the painting the pose of Meyer's right hand has been
altered, and the position which Holbein originally gave it can still be
made out. The monogram and date are on the background.

In accordance with