Artwork
Portrait of an unknown master builder
Portrait of an unknown master builder is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Life of the Virgin. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
The Portrait of an unknown master builder is an oil painting attributed to the Master of the Life of the Virgin, dated to around 1470.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a formally attired man, likely of high social standing, holding a compass. His neutral expression and furrowed brow convey a sense of contemplation. The subject's identity remains unknown, but his profession is hinted at by the compass, suggesting a connection to architecture or building.
Technique & Style
The artist's skill is evident in the detailed rendering of the subject's clothing and the compass. The use of a dark background effectively focuses attention on the figure. The level of detail achieved suggests a high level of craftsmanship, potentially involving techniques such as glazing to attain the desired level of depth and luminosity.
History & Provenance
The painting is currently held at the Alte Pinakothek. It is attributed to the Master of the Life of the Virgin, an artist active in the 15th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Life of the Virgin
This anonymous painter worked in the 1470s, specializing in small devotional panels that tell the story of Mary’s life.
The Visitation with a portrait of donor Johann von Hirtz (?-?)
The Life of Mary: Joachim meets Anna at the Golden Gate; in the background the Annunciation of the birth of Mary to Joachim by an angel (verso: upper half of the Crucifixion of Christ)
Maria mit dem Kind
The Life of Mary: the Assumption of Mary (verso: lower half of the Coronation of Mary)
The Engagement of Mary (verso: upper half of the Coronation of Mary)
The Life of Mary: the Annunciation (lower half of the Crucifixion of Christ)
The life of Mary: the presentation of Mary in the temple
Virgin and Child with Three Saints
Bildnis eines Mannes
A man in a red hat
Portrait of a Man Holding a Rosary
Monsieur de Bellefourière
Male portrait
Bildnis eines alten Mannes (Kopie nach)
Portrait of a Man
Bildnis eines Mannes
Portrait of a man
Bildnis eines Mannes im Alter von 66 Jahren
Pfalzgraf Johann II. von Simmern-Sponheim
Jean d'Albon de Saint-André (1472–1549)