Who painted Bildnis der Elisabeth Nothafft?

Bildnis der Elisabeth Nothafft was painted by Hans Schöpfer in 1563.

Where can I see Bildnis der Elisabeth Nothafft?

Bildnis der Elisabeth Nothafft is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Bildnis der Elisabeth Nothafft?

Bildnis der Elisabeth Nothafft is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Bildnis der Elisabeth Nothafft

Hans Schöpfer , 1563

Bildnis der Elisabeth Nothafft is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Hans Schöpfer. It dates from 1563 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

The work is a mid‑sixteenth‑century portrait executed by the German painter Hans Schöpfer in 1563. It is currently displayed in Munich’s Alte Pinakothek. The canvas presents a seated woman in elaborate attire against an unadorned dark backdrop, offering a concise yet formal representation typical of courtly portraiture of the period.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is identified as Elisabeth Nothafft, as indicated by an inscription that also records her marriage to a man named Hanssen Fygege. Her pose, with hands resting on a decorative chain, and the modest yet refined clothing suggest a status of respectable wealth, while the restrained composition emphasizes personal dignity over narrative content.

Technique & Style

Schöpfer employs a limited palette dominated by deep blacks and muted whites, creating a stark contrast that highlights the textures of the dress’s ruffles and the sheen of the hat. The smooth modeling of the face and the subtle gradations of light reflect the influence of chiaroscuro, while the plain background isolates the figure, focusing attention on her facial expression and attire.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the portrait has remained within German collections, eventually entering the holdings of the Alte Pinakothek, where it is catalogued under the title Bildnis der Elisabeth Nothafft. The museum’s records trace its acquisition to the 19th‑century efforts to assemble a comprehensive representation of Bavarian Renaissance portraiture.