Artwork

Portret of the councillor Wilhelm Lösch of Bavaria

Portret of the councillor Wilhelm Lösch of Bavaria, by Hans Schöpfer, unspecified, 1559
Portret of the councillor Wilhelm Lösch of Bavaria, by Hans Schöpfer, unspecified, 1559

Portret of the councillor Wilhelm Lösch of Bavaria is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Hans Schöpfer. It dates from 1559 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Portret of the councillor Wilhelm Lösch of Bavaria is a portrait painting created by Hans Schöpfer in 1559. It is part of the collection at the Alte Pinakothek.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Wilhelm Lösch, a councillor from Bavaria, in formal attire, conveying his social status through symbols such as a fur-lined robe, a necklace with a coin-shaped pendant, and a black hat. His direct gaze and serious demeanor suggest a portrayal of dignity and authority.

Technique & Style

The painting features a strong use of chiaroscuro, with pronounced contrasts between light and dark, emphasizing the subject's face against a shadowy background. The overall appearance shows signs of aging, with darkened edges and faded colors.

History & Provenance

Created in 1559 by Hans Schöpfer, the portrait's history prior to its current location at the Alte Pinakothek is not detailed here. It remains a significant example of 16th-century portrait painting.

Context

As a 16th-century portrait, it reflects the artistic trends of its time, particularly in the use of chiaroscuro, a technique popularized during the Renaissance. The subject's attire and accessories provide insight into the dress and symbols of status among Bavarian nobility and officials during this period.

Artist & collection