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Hans Baldung Grien

1484/5 - 1545

Hans Baldung, who was called Grien, was one of the leading German painters of the early 16th century. He is known for his portraits and secular cabinet pictures as well as for his altarpieces.

He was probably trained by Dürer, and was also an accomplished draughtsman and printmaker. In his treatment of landscape there is an affinity with Altdorfer and the Danube School.

Hans Baldung was born near Strasbourg, where he later settled. He probably trained with Dürer in Nuremberg, before returning to Strasbourg. He then worked at the Baden court and at Freiburg (1512-17), and settled in Strasbourg soon after.

His drawings and prints, like his paintings, show a heightened expressiveness in the tradition of Grünewald, who was active around Strasbourg.