Who painted Conrad Celtis?

Conrad Celtis was painted by Hans Burgkmair the Elder in 1507.

Where can I see Conrad Celtis?

Conrad Celtis is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Conrad Celtis?

Conrad Celtis is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Conrad Celtis

Hans Burgkmair the Elder , 1507

Conrad Celtis is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans Burgkmair the Elder. It dates from 1507 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Hans Burgkmair I’s 1507 woodcut presents the German humanist Conrad Celtis seated at a desk, surrounded by books, scattered papers and a small dog. The composition is framed by elaborate ornamental borders, while scrolls bearing a Latin epitaph curve above his head and diminutive angels appear at the margins, lending the image a formal, commemorative atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

Celtis is depicted as a serious scholar, his fur‑lined robe and the abundance of texts emphasizing his intellectual pursuits. The Latin verse, styled as an epitaph, recounts his life and achievements, while the dog at his feet traditionally symbolizes fidelity. The presence of angels reinforces the dignified, almost sacred tone of the tribute.

Technique & Style

Executed as a black‑and‑white woodcut, the image relies on bold line work and contrasting tones typical of early 16th‑century printmaking. Burgkmair’s intricate border patterns and the delicate rendering of the scrolls and angels demonstrate his skill in combining decorative motifs with narrative detail within the constraints of the woodcut medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1507, the print is an early example of Burgkmair’s portraiture of notable humanists. It circulated as a printed homage to Celtis, reflecting the Renaissance practice of commemorating scholars through reproducible media. The work remains in several European collections, illustrating the enduring interest in both the subject and Burgkmair’s print oeuvre.