Renaissance in the North: Holbein, Burgkmair, and the Age of the Fuggers

Augsburg was a significant center of the German Renaissance, with Hans Holbein the Elder and Hans Burgkmair as forerunners. The city was influenced by the humanist culture of Italy and offered an ideal setting for the development of a new form of art. Their works bear witness to the contrasting ways in which the two artists adopted the Italian Renaissance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2023
Publisher: Hirmer Verlag

Augsburg, a city of immense significance, emerges as the epicenter of the German Renaissance, a period of unparalleled artistic flourishing. Hans Holbein the Elder and Hans Burgkmair stand shoulder to shoulder with Albrecht Dürer as pioneers of Renaissance painting in Germany. Augsburg, a prosperous imperial and trading hub, played a pivotal role during this artistic golden age. This comprehensive volume offers a deep dive into the transformative journey from the Middle Ages to the modern era, showcasing the remarkable achievements of artists like Holbein the Elder and Burgkmair.

Augsburg's cultural landscape was profoundly shaped by the humanist traditions of Italy from its very beginnings. The city's vibrant art scene was nurtured by art-loving trading houses, such as the Fuggers, who facilitated international collaborations and provided artists like Holbein the Elder and Burgkmair with an ideal environment for the development of a new artistic idiom. The influence of Italian Renaissance art was further amplified through the long sojourns of Emperor Maximilian I and the frequent Imperial diets, which brought together artists and scholars from across Europe.

In their artistic endeavors, Holbein the Elder and Burgkmair embraced the Italian Renaissance in distinct yet complementary ways. Their works, alongside those of Dürer, Holbein the Younger, and others, serve as a testament to the rich and diverse interpretations of the Italian style. Holbein the Elder, known for his precise and realistic depictions, incorporated elements of Italian Renaissance art into his compositions, while Burgkmair, with his vibrant and expressive style, infused his works with a more imaginative and theatrical approach.

Together, their contributions to the German Renaissance left an indelible mark on the art world. Their works continue to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the profound impact that the Italian Renaissance had on the development of European art. Augsburg, as the city where these visionary artists flourished, remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the German Renaissance and its profound influence on the world of art.

Dimension: 280 x 240 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783777442037