Hans Burgkmair the Elder

With Daniela Laube Inc. Fine Art, New York,

where acquired by Diane A. Nixon in 2015

T. Falk, R. Biedermann, H. Geissler, Hans Burgkmair. Das graphische Werk, Augsburg 1973, no. 1 (another impression cited);

H. Rupé, 'Hans Burgkmair the Elder as an Illustrator of Books', The Print Collector's Quarterly, vol. 10 (1923) p. 167ff (another impression cited);

F.W.H. Hollstein, Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts c.1450-1700, vol. V, Amsterdam 1949, no. 75 (another impression cited);

I. Hausberger and R. Biedermann, Hans Burgkmair, Das Graphische Werk, exhib. cat., Städtische Kunstsammlungen, Augsburg; Graphische Sammlung Staatsgalerie, Stuttgart, 1973, no. 1 (another impression cited)

The woodcut, resplendently hand-coloured and heightened with gold, served as the title page (with letterpress below) in the Frising Breviary of 1491, and in the Obsequiale Frising of 1493. In the foreground, the Coats of Arms of the Bishopric Freising and of the Bishop Sixtus von Tannberg are featured from left to right.

Hans Burgkmair the Elder, both painter and printmaker, was the foremost designer of the woodcuts of Augsburg during his time, designing woodcuts for the most important presses in Augsburg throughout his career. Together with Hans Holbein the Elder (1460- circa 1524), he was also the leading painter of the early sixteenth century in the city. 

It was common practice to hand colour woodcuts during the 15^th century, giving them an appearance of illuminations. In the early years 16^th century - between 1508 and 1512 -Hans Burgkmair the Elder played a leading role in the development of color printing, through the medium of chiaroscuro woodcut.