Hans von Aachen

Hans von Aachen was born in 1552 in Cologne and died in 1615 in Prague. Aachen was part of the mannerism movement. Mannerist painters were part of a European art period including painting, sculpture, decorative arts and architecture spanning from the later years of the Italian High Renaissance (1520s) until the beginning of the Baroque period around 1600. The mannerist style was greatly influenced by the harmonious ideals of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo.

Aachen began painting in Germany as a student of Flemish painter Jerrigh, moving on to Italy to continue his studies in 1574. Achen settled in Venice for a while and then returned to Germany in 1588 where he became quite famous for his paintings commissioned by the noblewomen and noblemen of the country such as the Duke of Bavaria.

Aachen married Regina in Munich, the daughter of Orlando di Lasso, a composer. Following the marriage he was appointed the official painter of the Imperial Court in 1592 – reporting directly to Rudolph II, Holy Roman Emperor. Some of van Achens pupils included Peter Isaak, Joseph Heinz, Wolfgang Kilian, Dominicus Custos and Jan Sadeler.

Hans von Aachen Artwork

Adoration of the Shepherds
The Crucifixion
The Amazement of the Gods
The Triumph of Truth
Venus and Juno 1593 Oil on canvas
Allegory
Bacchus, Ceres, and Cupid
Joking Couple
Donna Venusta
Joseph Heintz
Knabe mit Weintraube
Pallas, Venus and Juno
Lucretia