Martin Schongauer

German painter, engraver, printmaker and draftsman, Martin Schongauer was born about 1450. He came from a prominent family in the Alsatian city of Colmar, where his father ran a goldsmith workshop. Schongauer perfected the art of engraving by learning from goldsmiths. He had a painstaking engraving technique and a solid understanding of draftsmanship.

Over one hundred engravings by Schongauer exist, many of which became important sources for artists throughout Europe. Albrecht Dürer was a great admirer of Schongauer and it is said that he traveled to Colmar, planning to enter Schongauer’s workshop. Unfortunately, upon his arrival, Dürer discovered that the master had recently died.