Albrecht Altdorfer

Art Historical Context

This engraving by Philipp Andreas Kilian presents a portrait of Albrecht Altdorfer, the influential German Renaissance artist active in the early 16th century. Created between 1701 and 1725, the print offers a later tribute to Altdorfer, a leading figure of the Danube School renowned for his pioneering integration of detailed landscapes with biblical and historical scenes. Kilian, an accomplished 18th-century engraver, used the medium to capture and circulate the likeness of earlier masters for new audiences. Engravings held particular significance during this period as accessible means of preserving and sharing artistic heritage across Europe. Through precise line work and tonal shading, such prints allowed viewers to connect with figures like Altdorfer long after their lifetimes, bridging Renaissance innovations with Enlightenment-era appreciation. Part of the National Gallery of Art’s Rosenwald Collection, this work underscores the vital role of reproductive prints in shaping art historical memory and making cultural icons available beyond elite circles.

About the Artist

Philipp Andreas Kilian · 1714–1759

Comment on works: copper engraver; publisher