Who painted Pfalzgrafen Philipp, Bischof von Freising?

Pfalzgrafen Philipp, Bischof von Freising was painted by Barthel Beham in 1534.

Where can I see Pfalzgrafen Philipp, Bischof von Freising?

Pfalzgrafen Philipp, Bischof von Freising is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Pfalzgrafen Philipp, Bischof von Freising?

Pfalzgrafen Philipp, Bischof von Freising is associated with Mannerism.

Artwork

Pfalzgrafen Philipp, Bischof von Freising

Barthel Beham , 1534

Pfalzgrafen Philipp, Bischof von Freising is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Barthel Beham. It dates from 1534 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Barthel Beham’s 1534 oil portrait presents the Bavarian noble Philipp, Count Palatine and Bishop of Freising. Executed in a restrained palette, the work resides in Munich’s Alte Pinakothek and exemplifies the artist’s capacity for precise, introspective likenesses.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown in a fur‑trimmed robe and a modest cap, holding a small book that hints at his ecclesiastical duties. His sober expression and plain white collar convey the gravitas expected of a high‑ranking cleric and regional ruler in the early Reformation era.

Technique & Style

Beham employs a chiaroscuro scheme, allowing the illuminated face to emerge from a predominantly dark background. Fine brushwork renders the texture of the fur and the subtle folds of the garment, while the overall composition remains compact and tightly focused on the figure’s head and shoulders.

History & Provenance

Created in 1534, the portrait entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s holdings of German Renaissance portraiture. Its attribution to Barthel Beham has been consistently affirmed by scholarly catalogues.