Portrait of Jakob Meyer zum Hasen

German artist Hans Holbein the Younger painted this portrait of Jakob Meyer zum Hasen in 1516, capturing the wealthy Basel merchant who would become the city's mayor (Bürgermeister). The sitter's serious expression and upright posture convey authority, while Holbein renders every wrinkle, facial hair, and fabric texture with astonishing precision.

A Latin inscription reads "Vivit post funera virtus" (Virtue lives after death), reflecting Meyer's desire to project lasting dignity. The composition places him centrally, surrounded by symbolic objects including a book. Holbein's use of light and shadow creates notable depth and three-dimensionality, characteristic of the Northern Renaissance.

The portrait, measuring 38.5 by 30.8 centimeters, hangs at the Kunstmuseum Basel in Switzerland. Meyer commissioned it for his house, establishing a relationship with Holbein that would produce several family portraits including the famous "Darmstadt Madonna."