Barthel Beham Painting Reproductions 1 of 1

Barthel Beham was a German Renaissance artist born in Nuremberg in 1502. He was the younger brother of Hans Sebald Beham, another prominent Renaissance artist, with whom he collaborated frequently.

Barthel Beham started his career as an apprentice to his uncle, a goldsmith named Barthel Seitz. He then trained under the painter George Pencz before becoming a master in the Nuremberg painters' guild in 1525. Along with his brother, he worked extensively in the medium of printmaking, producing engravings and woodcuts that were highly influential in the development of Northern Renaissance art.

Barthel Beham was known for his small-scale works, often depicting religious scenes or mythological subjects. His engravings were highly detailed and precise, featuring delicate lines and intricate patterns. He was also skilled in creating portraits, which were often characterized by a sensitivity to the sitter's individual features and personality.

In 1528, Barthel and his brother Hans were exiled from Nuremberg due to their association with the radical reformer Thomas Müntzer. They spent several years traveling throughout Germany and Austria, producing prints that expressed their opposition to the established church and the social order. In 1532, they returned to Nuremberg and resumed their work as artists.

Barthel Beham's later works showed a shift toward a more Mannerist style, characterized by exaggerated poses, elongated figures, and a heightened sense of drama. He continued to work as an artist until his death in 1540, at the age of 38.

Today, Barthel Beham's works can be found in many major art museums and collections around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in London, and the Louvre in Paris.