A central piece of the cabinet included the heritage of the Christian scholar
Erasmus von Rotterdam for which Bonifacius had commissioned a trunk in 1539. The collection included paintings, sketches, medallions, rare coins, the letters of the Amerbach family, and a library of 9000 books. The library contained more than 2000 theological, 2000 juridical, 2000 philosophical and 1000 historical books. It is assumed that they were purchased from the very close environment of Hans Holbeins workshop, as the acquired works also included some by
Hans Holbein the Elder, and
Ambrosius Holbein. In 1630, the books were categorized in a new catalogue by the librarian of the University of Basel. In 1661, the heirs of Basilius received an offer to sell the collection to
Amsterdam for 9500
Reichsthaler. This led influential citizens of Basel, the professors of the University of Basel, , and to encourage a purchase for the city. With the support of the mayor
Johann Rudolf Wettstein of which two thirds were to be paid by Basel and one third by the university. == References ==