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Portrait of the painter Hans Burgkmair (1473) and his wife Anna by Lukas Furtenagel

Lukas Furtenagel · 1529-01-01

This 1529 oil-on-panel portrait, "Portrait of the painter Hans Burgkmair (1473) and his wife Anna" by Lukas Furtenagel, is a striking example of Northern Renaissance art, held at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

Look closely at the figures: Hans Burgkmair, a prominent Augsburg artist, and his wife Anna. Notice the skull-shaped mirror in Anna's hand, a powerful memento mori reminding viewers of life's fleeting nature, a common theme in early 16th-century German portraits.

Lukas Furtenagel, the painter, was Burgkmair's pupil, beginning his apprenticeship at the tender age of 10. This work, created early in Furtenagel's career, is believed to be a tribute to his mentor, underscoring the deep connections within the artistic community of Augsburg at the time. It blends personal identity with professional lineage.

What do you think of this student's tribute to his teacher?

Details

The painter was Lukas Furtenagel, Burgkmair's own student.
The painter was Lukas Furtenagel, Burgkmair's own student.
He trained under Burgkmair, beginning his apprenticeship at age 10.
He trained under Burgkmair, beginning his apprenticeship at age 10.
This mirror is shaped like a skull, a common reminder of mortality.
This mirror is shaped like a skull, a common reminder of mortality.
This work was likely a tribute to his teacher from the young artist.
This work was likely a tribute to his teacher from the young artist.
This provides historical context and dates the painting, anchoring it in a specific time.
This provides historical context and dates the painting, anchoring it in a specific time.
Transcript

This portrait from 1529 shows artist Hans Burgkmair and his wife Anna. The painter was Lukas Furtenagel, Burgkmair's own student. He trained under Burgkmair, beginning his apprenticeship at age 10. This mirror is shaped like a skull, a common reminder of mortality. This work was likely a tribute to his teacher from the young artist. It joins personal identity with artistic legacy in Augsburg.