# The Island of Utopia

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/holbein-ambrosius-r1b92e48de4e07c/the-island-of-utopia-r9250d14a77a1cc>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [HOLBEIN, Ambrosius](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/holbein-ambrosius-r1b92e48de4e07c>)
- Date: 1501-1550
- Technique: Woodcut, 17,8 x 11,8 cm

## Commentary

Ambrosius Holbein contributed woodcuts to illustrate Froben&#39;s edition of Sir Thomas More&#39;s Utopia that was published in Basel in 1518. One shows a bird&#39;s eye view of the rocky island of Utopia \(which in Greek means &#34;no-place&#34;\) surrounded by water. In the centre of the country lies the capital Amaurotum \(&#34;Mist-town&#34;\) on the river Anydrus \(&#34;Waterless&#34;\). Its source \(Fons Anydri\) and mouth \(Ostium Anydri\) are labeled. Bottom left is the seafarer Hythlodeus, who according to the book discovered Utopia.

## Related artworks

- [Death of the Virgin](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/holbein-ambrosius-r1b92e48de4e07c/death-of-the-virgin-ra246c1650ff24c>)
- [Portrait of a Young Man](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/holbein-ambrosius-r1b92e48de4e07c/portrait-of-a-young-man-rde9e9a13083364>)
- [Signboard for a Schoolmaster](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/holbein-ambrosius-r1b92e48de4e07c/signboard-for-a-schoolmaster-r7aa9e6d1cddda0>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)