Oil Painting » List of Painters » Ambrosius Holbein

EARLY DAYS:

Ambrosius Holbein was a Swiss painter who is considered one of the most important artists of the Northern Renaissance. He was born in Augsburg, Germany, in 1494 to a family of painters. His father, Hans Holbein the Elder, was a renowned portrait painter, and his younger brother, Hans Holbein the Younger, also became a celebrated painter. Ambrosius was trained by his father in the art of painting, and he soon developed a style that combined portrait-style realism with elements of the emerging Northern Renaissance style.

Ambrosius Holbein's earliest works were mostly religious in nature, depicting religious scenes and figures. He often painted with a delicate, intricate brushwork and a subtle, muted color palette. One of his most famous works from this early period is the altarpiece of the Virgin and Child in the Church of St. Peter in Basel, Switzerland. This painting, which dates to 1519, is considered an important example of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance painting.

After the death of his father in 1526, Ambrosius Holbein moved to Basel and began to focus mainly on portrait painting. He created many highly detailed and realistic portraits of prominent citizens of Basel, often incorporating symbolism and allegorical elements. One of his most famous works from this period is Portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam, which dates to 1523. This painting is highly praised for its subtle use of color, its precise brushwork, and its realistic portrayal of Erasmus.

Another important work from Ambrosius Holbein's career is The Dance of the Children, which dates to 1530. This painting is considered one of the earliest examples of genre painting in the Northern Renaissance. It depicts a group of children, dressed in Renaissance clothing, dancing in a circle. The painting is notable for its strong use of perspective and its rich, vibrant colors.

In addition to painting, Ambrosius Holbein also worked as a draftsman and an engraver, creating many highly detailed drawings and prints. He also created a number of woodcuts, which he used to illustrate books and prints. His woodcuts often featured a range of topics, from religious scenes to humorous and satirical work

CAREER:

Holbein's early works were mainly religious scenes and portraits, and he was known for his highly detailed and precise works. He was influenced by the works of other German painters such as D?rer and Grunewald. In 1513, Holbein joined the workshop of his brother Hans, in Basel, Switzerland.

In 1514, Holbein moved to Lucerne, Switzerland and from there he moved to Basel in 1516. This was to be the start of his long and successful career as a painter. During his time in Basel, Holbein painted many of his most famous works, including the iconic "The Madonna of the Rose Garden" (1517) and "The Last Supper" (1523).

Holbein was also commissioned to paint many portraits of prominent figures. His most famous portrait, the "Portrait of Erasmus" (1523), is one of the most famous portraits of the Renaissance era and is still admired today. Holbein also painted the portraits of many of the leading figures of the Reformation, including Martin Luther and John Calvin.

Holbein was highly sought after for his religious paintings, and he also painted many secular works as well. His works often depicted scenes from everyday life, such as "The Dance of Death" (1538), which depicted a group of people dancing in celebration of death.

Holbein's works were highly praised by many of his contemporaries and he became one of the most important German painters of the Renaissance period. He was the official court painter for King Henry VIII of England and was even offered the position of court painter for the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V. Holbein died in London in 1543, at the age of 83.

Holbein's works have had a significant impact on the history of art. His precise and detailed style of painting was highly influential and has been replicated by many later artists, including Rembrandt and Rubens. His works have been exhibited in many galleries around the world, and they are still admired and appreciated today.