Artwork

Portrait of Marie of Baden

Portrait of Marie of Baden, by Barthel Beham, unspecified, 1533
Portrait of Marie of Baden, by Barthel Beham, unspecified, 1533

Portrait of Marie of Baden is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Barthel Beham. It dates from 1533 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows Marie of Baden-Sponheim, a member of the House of Baden, rendered in a spruce wood panel painted in 1533 by Barthel Beham. The work functions as a formal state portrait that underscores her aristocratic status within the ducal family of Baden. Its iconography relies on conventional portraiture of the period, emphasizing dignity rather than narrative symbolism.

Technique & Style

The use of spruce as the primary material indicates a specific handling of the wooden panel typical for Northern Renaissance portraiture of this period.

Created in 1533, the Portrait of Marie of Baden is executed as a painting on a spruce wood support. The work measures 96.8 cm in height and 71.1 cm in width. As a portrait genre piece, the formal qualities focus on the depiction of Marie of Baden-Sponheim, rendered by Barthel Beham.

The use of spruce as the primary material indicates a specific handling of the wooden panel typical for Northern Renaissance portraiture of this period.

History & Provenance

The work titled Portrait of Marie of Baden was created by Barthel Beham in 1533 as a spruce panel. It entered the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, where it remains on display at the Alte Pinakothek. The painting was commissioned as a likeness of Marie of Baden‑Sponheim and has been part of the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings since its acquisition, reflecting continuous ownership by the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

The portrait is held by the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, as part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Painted in 1533 on a spruce panel measuring 96.8 by 71.1 cm, it depicts Marie of Baden-Sponheim.

No specific inventory or accession number is recorded in the available sources, and no exhibition history is documented.

Overview

Created in 1533, this portrait by the German Renaissance artist Barthel Beham presents Marie of Baden‑Sponheim. Executed on a spruce panel, the work measures a modest size and is currently displayed in Munich’s Alte Pinakothek. The composition focuses on a single figure against an unadorned, dark backdrop, emphasizing the sitter’s attire and demeanor.

Portrait of Marie Jakobäa of Baden-Sponheim.
Portrait of Marie Jakobäa of Baden-Sponheim., Hans Wertinger

Artist & collection

Portrait of Barthel Beham

Artist

Barthel Beham

Barthel Beham (1527–1527) was an artist.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Marie of Baden?

Portrait of Marie of Baden was painted by Barthel Beham in 1533-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of Marie of Baden?

Portrait of Marie of Baden is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Portrait of Marie of Baden?

Portrait of Marie of Baden is associated with Mannerism.