Portrait of a Married Couple (Lorenz Kraffter and Honesta Merz?)

Portrait of a Married Couple (Lorenz Kraffter and Honesta Merz?)

Artist: Ulrich Apt the Elder

Year: 1512

Medium: Oil on linden

Artistic and Historical Context

The painting "Portrait of a Married Couple (Lorenz Kraffter and Honesta Merz?)" by Ulrich Apt the Elder is a significant example of early 16th-century German portraiture. Created in 1512, this work exemplifies the Northern Renaissance's attention to detail and texture, particularly in the depiction of clothing and facial expressions. The use of oil on linden wood is characteristic of the period, allowing for a smooth surface that enhances the intricate detailing. Ulrich Apt the Elder, active in Augsburg, was known for his skill in capturing the likeness and status of his subjects, contributing to the development of portraiture in Germany. This painting not only reflects the personal identity of the sitters but also provides insight into the social and cultural milieu of the time.

"Portrait of a Married Couple (Lorenz Kraffter and Honesta Merz?)" by Ulrich Apt the Elder, created in 1512, is an oil painting on linden wood that exemplifies the Northern Renaissance style with its detailed depiction of the sitters' attire and expressions. The artwork is notable for its intricate attention to texture and the use of vibrant colors, characteristic of the period's portraiture techniques.