Master I. A. M. of Zwolle

The Betrayal of Christ, (c. 1485). 35.6 x 27.2 cm (sheet size). This is one of a series of Passion prints by Master I. A. M. – others include The Last Supper and The Agony in the Garden.

Master I. A. M. of Zwolle (known works 1470–1490, lifetime estimated as –1504 ) was an anonymous Dutch goldsmith and engraver who signed many of his works with his initials I. A. M. or I. A., and added "Zwolle" to some. His work is characterized by crowded and active scenes of people, graded tones and crisp strokes. Only 26 works by his hand are extant. as the artist behind the engravings. One variation of this theory supposes that the signature contains the marks of both artists: I. A. M. would be Johann van den Minnesten's signature, while the image of a drill is the hallmark of the goldsmith / engraver. His engraving technique was careful and neat but tending to dryness. Later prints show more dramatic use of tonal contrasts, in drapery and other areas. His faces mostly have Dutch peasant features, sometimes bordering on the grotesque. The major influence upon Master I. A. M.'s early work appears to have been Rogier van der Weyden, although he was also influenced by Martin Schongauer. Hieronymous Bosch, a contemporary, also appears to have influenced the grotesque figures in The Betrayal of Christ: Bosch's Christ Carrying the Cross of Vienna is particularly similar. ) Mass of Saint Gregory 15.2 x 12.4 cm Mass of Saint Gregory 32.3 x 22.4 cm Allegory of the Transience of Life 33.3 x 22.6 cm Battle of Two Men with the Centaur 15.7 x 22.2 cm The Young Man and the Devil 30.7 x 20.6 cm Coat of Arms with a Greyhound Supported by a Savage 7.7 cm in diameter Gothic Canopy with Windows and Doors 41.6 x 28.1 cm The Crucifixion Death'''' 30.2 x 21.3 cm

Legacy Master I.A.M.'s prints were often copied by contemporary engravers, Lucas van Leiden developed his style from that of Master I.A.M. and Albrecht Dürer.

His prints were much sought after by prominent collectors. The English writer Samuel Pepys owned copies of the Pietà and The Last Supper, and Ferdinand Columbus (the son of Christopher Columbus) owned a copy of Allegory of the Transience of Life''.