Hans Burgkmair

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Burgkmair, Hans the Elder (b Augsburg, 1473; d Augsburg, May/Aug. 1531). German painter and designer of woodcuts, the leading artist of his day in Augsburg. He was the son of a painter, Thoman Burgkmair (c.1445–1523), who was probably his first teacher, and in about 1498–90 he studied with Schongauer in Colmar. After his return to Augsburg he was soon busy producing illustrations for publishers and he kept up this work throughout his career, in addition to his output as a painter. Most of his paintings are on religious subjects, but he was also a good portraitist. In 1507 he is documented in Italy, and he probably made another visit or visits before this, for his work shows strong Renaissance influence, in the breadth and dignity of his figures, his warmth of colour, and his use of classical motifs. Indeed, he occupied a place in Augsburg comparable to that of Dürer in Nuremberg in introducing the new style. Like Dürer, he worked a good deal for Maximilian I (see Habsburg); his chiaroscuro woodcut of the emperor (1508) is one of the first examples of this type of print. His other patrons included Duke William IV of Bavaria, for whom he painted the Battle of Cannae (1529, Alte Pin., Munich), part of the same series as Altdorfer's celebrated Battle of Issus. Burgkmair was married to the sister of Hans Holbein the Elder. Their son, Hans Burgkmair the Younger (c.1500–59), was a painter and engraver, also active in Augsburg.

Burgkmair, Hans the Elder (1473–1531). German painter and designer of woodcuts, the leading artist of his day in his native Augsburg. He was the son of a painter, Thoman Burgkmair (c.1445–1523), who was probably his first teacher, and in about 1488–90 he studied with Schongauer in Colmar. After his return to Augsburg he was soon busy producing illustrations for publishers and he kept up this work throughout his career, in addition to his output as a painter. Most of his paintings are on religious subjects, but he was also a good portraitist. In 1507 he is documented in Italy, and he probably made another visit or visits before this, for his work shows strong Renaissance influence, in the breadth and dignity of his figures, his warmth of colour, and his use of classical motifs. Indeed, he occupied a place in Augsburg comparable to that of Dürer in Nuremberg in introducing the new style. Like Dürer, he worked a good deal for Maximilian I (see Habsburg); his chiaroscuro woodcut of the emperor (1508) is one of the first examples of this type of print. His other patrons included Duke William IV of Bavaria, for whom he painted the Battle of Cannae (1529, Alte Pin., Munich), part of the same series as Altdorfer's celebrated Battle of Issus. Burgkmair was married to the sister of Hans Holbein the Elder. Their son, Hans Burgkmair the Younger (c.1500–59), was a painter and engraver, also active in Augsburg.

Hans Burgkmair , 1473–1531, German engraver, woodcut designer, and painter. Having learned woodcutting from Schongauer, he settled in 1498 in his native Augsburg. His work shows the influence of his friend Dürer, whose enthusiasm for the Italian Renaissance he shared. Among his well-known paintings are the Rosary Altar (Augsburg) and Holy Family (1511; Berlin). After c.1508 he executed designs for woodcuts for Emperor Maximilian I; among these prints a series of episodes in the emperor's life is notable. Among his other works of graphic art are Death as Destroyer (1520) and Virtues and Vices.