Erasmus Hornick

Erasmus Hornick was an artist active over a short but significant period at the close of the fifteenth century, with recorded activity spanning from 1496 to 1500. His surviving output consists exclusively of preparatory drawings and designs, suggesting a professional specialization in the applied arts, particularly sophisticated metalwork, jewelry, and domestic objects.

The nature of Hornick's technical skill is evident in his detailed blueprints for intricate functional and luxury items. These include plans for utility and display, such as the Design for a Bronze Vessel and the detailed plan for a combined piece of dining apparatus, Design for Parade Egg Cups and Combined Egg Cup/Salt Cellar with Lid. Further designs highlight his focus on bespoke metal tools and implements, including the meticulous Design for Spoon, Fork, Two Knives (Crossed over scissors), Scissors, Ear Spoon and Toothpick.

Fifteen of Hornick’s specialized drawings are represented in institutional collections. His verifiable legacy is principally secured through the holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today, the study of his precise and historic designs is aided as high-quality prints and downloadable artwork of works by artists like Erasmus Hornick prints become available through collections now in the public domain.