Possibly Germany, late 19th century. Two roundels with portraits of 15th century clergy, a cardinal and a monk, oil on board in round giltwood and ebonized frames; dia. 13 in. Nicolas of Kues (Nicolaus Cusanus, Nicholas of Cusa) was a Roman Catholic cardinal, as the portraits depict. Nicholas was German by birth (his name was Latinized, as was common). He is considered a genius in philosophy, science and politics. Johannes Trithemius (Johann Heidenberg) was a German abbott of St. James Abbey in Wurzburg (1506-1516). He wrote extensively, but is best known for his work in cryptography/steganography. This work was on the list of prohibited books from 1609 to 1900, since it was mistakenly thought to be about magic. Published in three volumes, the first two were published around 1500. The third, which turned out to be the decryption key, was not published until 1606, and the "mystical" content triggered the suspicions of the church.

Frames with overpainting on gilt areas, some overpainting to portraits.