Albrecht Altdorfer

Born around 1480, he inherited his interest in art from his father Ulrich, a painter and miniaturist. He initially gained attention for his small, unconventional works.¹

A journey down the Danube into the Alps around 1511 deeply moved him, leading him to become the first modern landscape painter and the leader of the Danube School.¹

From 1513, he served Emperor Maximilian I in Innsbruck, receiving numerous imperial commissions, including contributions to the 'Triumphal Procession.'¹

In the 'St. Sebastian Altar,' he used glistening lights and glowing colors to create intense, expressionistic scenes, often featuring unique compositions like views through grottos.¹

He is a pioneer of pure landscape painting. His 'Landscape with Footbridge' (c. 1518) is considered the first pure oil landscape, focusing on nature without human figures.¹

His masterpiece 'The Battle of Alexander at Issus' was commissioned by Duke William IV. It is an apocalyptic work depicting thousands of soldiers and a vast panorama from a high viewpoint.¹

He served as a city councillor and architect in Regensburg, overseeing fortifications. He famously declined the office of Mayor to focus on a major painting commission.¹