Chancellor Leonhard von Eck (1480–1550)

Barthel Beham

Created:
Movement:
1527
Renaissance
key Notes:
Renaissance portraiture, detailed realism
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Dimensions:
22 1/8 x 14 7/8 in. (56.2 x 37.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on spruce
Difficulty:
Expert
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story of the work:

"Chancellor Leonhard von Eck (1480–1550)" is a portrait painted by Barthel Beham in 1527. Beham was a German painter associated with the Northern Renaissance and known for his detailed and expressive portraits. The painting depicts Leonhard von Eck, a prominent statesman and chancellor of the Duchy of Bavaria. The work exemplifies Beham's skill in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects. The composition features von Eck in formal attire, indicative of his high status. The background is typically neutral, focusing attention on the figure. The painting is significant for its representation of political figures during the Reformation period. The current location of the painting is not specified in the available literature. Further details about the painting's provenance or exhibition history are also unknown.

Description of the work:

"Chancellor Leonhard von Eck (1480–1550)" by Barthel Beham, created in 1527, is an oil painting on spruce that presents a formal portrait of the prominent statesman. The composition features von Eck in a three-quarter pose, dressed in a dark, richly textured robe that conveys his status. His face is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing a thoughtful expression and a well-groomed beard. The background is a muted, dark tone that enhances the figure's prominence and draws attention to his features. Light falls softly on von Eck, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. The use of color is restrained, with a palette dominated by deep blacks and browns, punctuated by subtle highlights. The painting exemplifies the Northern Renaissance style, characterized by its realism and focus on individual character. The work is notable for its precise brushwork and the careful rendering of fabric textures, reflecting Beham's skill as a portraitist.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Chancellor Leonhard von Eck (1480–1550)