Konrad Witz
Born – Constance, Germany c.1400
Died – Basel, Switzerland c.1444
Witz was brought up in Constance but from 1434 spent most of his working life in Basel. Very little is known about his life and only one painting, Miraculous Draught of Fishes, is signed and dated. It was one of four painted for two wings of a Redemption altarpiece for St Peter’s Cathedral in Geneva, most probably commissioned by a cardinal. This is an extraordinarily inventive interpretation of the well-known biblical story. Christ dispassionately surveys the disciples as they struggle to haul their catch. The most significant aspect of the painting is Witz’s clear observation of the surface beneath the shallow water; this was the first identified attempt at such an optical illusion. Art historians also believe it to be one of the first paintings of a recognisable landscape, that of Lake Leman in Switzerland. Witz’s naturalistic treatment of this subject was advanced for its time. His revolutionary, realist way of seeing gave solidity and human substance to revered religious characters. Such an approach evinces Witz’s knowledge of the achievements of other artists, van Eyck being one.
Masterpieces:
- Saint Bartholomew
- Saint Magdalen and Saint Catherine
Text: The A-Z of Art, Nicola Hodge and Libby Anson.
Books About konrad witz
Konrad Witz
Bodo Brinkmann
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Meister Konrad Witz Von Rottweil
Paul Leonhard GANZ
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"la pêche miraculeuse de Konrad Witz ; visions dynamiques des peintures du retable de Genève"
Robert Mougenel
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