German Art and Architecture

During the 15th and 16th Century, German painting was experiencing a creative climax and was well ahead other forms of artwork in its development. Stephan Lochner was still showing the influences of the Flemish school, an influx that was gradually diluted as German artists began developing a more personal style.

Without a doubt, the genius of the time was Albrecht Dürer. His paintings, sketches and sculptures were of unusual quality and perfection and influenced all European art of the time. Other notable artists of this era include Mathias Grünewald, Albrecht Altdorfer and Lucas Cranach.

The exuberance of the Baroque and Rococo styles can be observed in the architecture of some of the most beautiful buildings and palaces of the 17th and 18th Centuries. In painting, some of the most prominent artists showing these tendencies were Angelica Kauffmann and the Tischbein family. It is during this period in time that Dresden porcelain figurines become extremely popular, especially those produced in the Meissen workshops.

Toward the end of the 18th Century, classic art from ancient times is brought back into focus with a movement based on the theories of J. J. Winckelmann: examples of these can be found in paintings by A. R. Mengs and in the sculptures created by J. G. Schadow.