Description: Copperplate engraving by Theodorus de Bry from Liege and published in Jean-Jacques Boissard's Icones virorum illustrium in 1597 in Frankfurt-am-Main. The work was based on Stimmer's wood engraving and is a portrait featuring the bust of Copernicus. Turning to the right, the astronomer is holding a lily-of-the valley in his left hand. The portrait has an oval-shaped border set against a panel with floral decorative motifs. The publisher encircled Copernicus' figure with such personal details as his dates of birth and death as well as place of birth and origin: Tornaus, Borussus
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