Who painted Wolfgang I. Graf von Oettingen?

Wolfgang I. Graf von Oettingen was painted by Martin Schaffner in 1508.

Where can I see Wolfgang I. Graf von Oettingen?

Wolfgang I. Graf von Oettingen is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Wolfgang I. Graf von Oettingen?

Wolfgang I. Graf von Oettingen is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Wolfgang I. Graf von Oettingen

Martin Schaffner , 1508

Wolfgang I. Graf von Oettingen is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Martin Schaffner. It dates from 1508 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

The portrait, executed in 1508 by Ulm‑based painter Martin Schaffner, presents Wolfgang I, Count of Oettingen. It belongs to the collection of Munich’s Alte Pinakothek and exemplifies the Northern Renaissance’s interest in individualized, dignified representation of noble patrons.

Subject & Meaning

Wolfgang I is shown in a dark, fur‑trimmed robe, a gold chain at his throat, and a red‑and‑gold hat, holding a red beaded string and a small white object wrapped in cloth. The attire and accessories signal his high rank and possibly allude to his administrative or ceremonial duties.

Technique & Style

Schaffner employs a strong contrast of light and shadow, illuminating the sitter’s face while the surrounding wall recedes into darkness. The textured background, hinted with faint gold lines, and the careful rendering of fabrics reflect the Northern Renaissance’s attention to material detail and chiaroscuro effects.

History & Provenance

Martin Schaffner, who trained under Jörg Stocker and achieved master status by 1499, was primarily known for religious altarpieces. This secular portrait, created later in his career, entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s German Renaissance collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Martin Schaffner

Martin Schaffner (c. 1478 – c. 1548) was a German painter and medallist. Schaffner was born, lived and worked primarily in Ulm. His birth year is calculated based on a self-portrait medal he created in 1522 in which he…