deutsch renaissance

German Renaissance is a term given to the art, and in particular the architecture, created in the region
along the River Weser and adjacent areas in Germany between c 1520 and c 1620. Money earned by
noblemen fighting as mercenaries in foreign wars—especially in the Netherlands—and an expansion in
agricultural trade were two of the main contributory factors to the spate of new building that occurred
in the region during this period The most important architectural undertakings were castles, as well as
town halls and town houses, although churches were also built in this style; some of these buildings
were decorated with reliefs, statues or ornamental stonework One of the most important architects
active in the earliest phase of the Weser Renaissance was Jörg Unkair (d 1552), who probably came from
Württemberg He was followed by Cord Tönnis and Hermann Wulff, both from the Weser region; they had
a decisive influence on local architectural style between c 1550 and c 1575.

One of the most important German humanists was Konrad Celtis (1459–1508). Celtis studied at Cologne
and Heidelberg, and later travelled throughout Italy collecting Latin and Greek manuscripts. Heavily
influenced by Tacitus, he used the Germania to introduce German history and geography. Eventually he
devoted his time to poetry, in which he praised Germany in Latin. Another important figure was Johann
Reuchlin (1455–1522) who studied in various places in Italy and later taught Greek. He studied the
Hebrew language, aiming to purify Christianity, but encountered resistance from the church.

The most significant German Renaissance artist is Albrecht Dürer especially known for his printmaking in
woodcut and engraving, which spread all over Europe, drawings, and painted portraits. Important
architecture of this period includes the Landshut Residence, Heidelberg Castle, the Augsburg Town Hall
as well as the Antiquarium of the Munich Residenz in Munich, the largest Renaissance hall north of the
Alps.

Background

The Gothic heritage

Throughout the fifteenth century the German area was dominated by the influence of the Gothic world,
managing to develop some characteristics of its own that were highly esteemed even abroad. Among the
artistically most active areas, which often coincided with those with the most prosperous economy, the
Hanseatic cities (with artists such as Bernard von Minden, Maestro Francke), Cologne (home of the ”
tender style ” of Konrad von Soest or Stephan Lochner) stood out.), Basel (with the severe and
monumental style of Konrad Witz), Alsace (Martin Schongauer andNikolaus Gerhaert von Leyden).