Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 17 works by Hans Wertinger in our catalogue
In short
Christoph von Laiming in His 59th Year (1517) is the Hans Wertinger painting that draws the most eyes; the original belongs to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. After it, the eye goes to The Court Jester known as "Knight Christoph" (1515) and Portrait of William IV of Bavaria. (1526). Among the 17 works of Hans Wertinger in our catalog, these 17 are the most famous, each a unique original presented with its year, its museum and the reason it endures.
Christoph von Laiming in His 59th Year, executed by Hans Wertinger in 1517, presents a formal likeness of a prominent figure from the Bavarian nobility. The sitter, Christoph von Laiming of Amerang (ca. 1460–1520), belonged to one of the region's oldest noble families. His position was defined by his service to the Wittelsbach dynasty; he acted as the principal servant and master of the household to Duke Ludwig X of…
A man stands against a low stone wall, his body caught in a moment of poised tension. He is dressed in the heavy, structured finery of the early sixteenth century, wearing a doublet and hose that speak of high status and deliberate artifice. His cloak, lined with thick fur, falls in deep, weighted folds around his frame. He does not face the viewer directly; instead, he turns in a three-quarter…
The Portrait of William IV of Bavaria is a formal depiction of the Duke of Bavaria, rendered in 1526 by the German painter Hans Wertinger. This work captures the presence of William IV, a man whose status is anchored in the heavy textures of his courtly attire. The portrait functions as a visual record of the Wittelsbach dynasty's dignity during the early sixteenth century.
In the Portrait of Margrave Bernhard III von Baden by Hans Wertinger, the sitter occupies the space in a half-length composition, positioned slightly off-center. He turns his body in a three-quarter view, facing toward the right of the frame as if caught in a moment of quiet contemplation. A dark cap rests upon his head, and a heavy, dark cloak, lined with thick and textured fur, wraps around his shoulders.…
A heavy, crimson canopy hangs over the bed, casting a shadow across the pale skin of a dying king. Alexander lies amidst the weight of velvet and fur, his body surrendered to a fever that no conquest could conquer. The air in the room feels thick, crowded by the silent tension of those gathered in the dim light. Every fold of the drapery holds a deep, saturated red, a color…
The composition is bisected by a stark, white architectural pillar, creating a sharp division between two modes of life. To the left, a sheltered, shadowed space houses a communal bathing scene. Figures gather around wooden tubs and benches, their forms rendered in muted skin tones and earthy browns. The atmosphere here is heavy and intimate, defined by the dim light of a timbered structure. To the right, the scene breaks…
The man sits in a quiet, heavy stillness, his presence commanding the space through a gaze that feels both direct and distant. He is a figure of authority, draped in the opulent textures of the 1530s, his status whispered through the very fabric of his attire. A deep red doublet catches the light, its silk sleeves appearing smooth and cool to the touch, while a heavy brown fur mantle rests…
In this oil on cradled panel, we find ourselves amidst a dense, wooded landscape where the quiet of the forest has been shattered by a sudden, violent encounter. The scene captures a contemporary boar hunt, a moment of high drama frozen in time. A wild boar lunges through the undergrowth, its dark, muscular form a stark contrast to the pale clothing of the hunters and the bright coats of their…
The Portrait of the Count Palatine Johann III is a significant work by the German painter Hans Wertinger. Executed in 1526, this oil on panel portrait captures the likeness of Johann III of the Palatinate, who lived from 1488 to 1538. The subject is presented with a quiet, formal dignity that reflects his high social standing during the Northern Renaissance.
The portrait titled Count Palatine Philipp, Bishop of Freising captures a man of quiet authority. This work was executed by the German painter and engraver Hans Wertinger. The subject is Philip of the Palatinate, a figure who held the office of Prince-Bishop of Freising from 1498 to 1541. He was a member of the House of Wittelsbach.
Crucifixion, with Dr. Peter Baumgartner and His Family1524 · Reading Public Museum
12
Virgin and Christ Child, with Anna Von Trenbach and Family1524 · Reading Public Museum
13
Frederick IIIMuseo del Prado
14
Count Palatine Frederick II the WiseBavarian State Painting Collections
15
Portrait of a Man Holding a RosaryMuseum of Fine Arts
16
Princess Maria JacobäaAlte Pinakothek
17
Crucifixion with Saints and DonorHermitage Museum
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Hans Wertinger | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bavarian State Painting Collections |
Munich | 4 | Portrait of Margrave Bernhard III von Baden, Portrait of the Count Palatine Johann III, Count Palatine Philipp, Bishop of Freising |
 Alte Pinakothek |
Munich | 2 | Portrait of William IV of Bavaria., Princess Maria Jacobäa |
 Reading Public Museum |
Reading | 2 | Crucifixion, with Dr. Peter Baumgartner and His Family, Virgin and Christ Child, with Anna Von Trenbach and Family |
 Victoria and Albert Museum |
London | 1 | Christoph von Laiming in His 59th Year |
 Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum |
Madrid | 1 | The Court Jester known as "Knight Christoph" |
 National Gallery Prague |
Prague | 1 | Sick Alexander the Great and his Physician Philippos |
 Germanisches Nationalmuseum |
Nuremberg | 1 | Panel from a Series of Rural Scenes: Bathing and Slaughter |
 Bonnefanten Museum |
Maastricht | 1 | Portrait of a Man |
Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.
In the Portrait of Margrave Bernhard III von Baden by Hans Wertinger, the sitter occupies the space in a half-length composition, positioned slightly off-center. He turns his body in a three-quarter view, facing toward the right of the frame as if caught in a moment of quiet contemplation. A dark cap rests upon his head, and a heavy, dark cloak, lined with thick and textured fur, wraps around his shoulders.…
Christoph von Laiming in His 59th Year, executed by Hans Wertinger in 1517, presents a formal likeness of a prominent figure from the Bavarian nobility. The sitter, Christoph von Laiming of Amerang (ca. 1460–1520), belonged to one of the region's oldest noble families. His position was defined by his service to the Wittelsbach dynasty; he acted as the principal servant and master of the household to Duke Ludwig X of…
The Portrait of William IV of Bavaria is a formal depiction of the Duke of Bavaria, rendered in 1526 by the German painter Hans Wertinger. This work captures the presence of William IV, a man whose status is anchored in the heavy textures of his courtly attire. The portrait functions as a visual record of the Wittelsbach dynasty's dignity during the early sixteenth century.
The man sits in a quiet, heavy stillness, his presence commanding the space through a gaze that feels both direct and distant. He is a figure of authority, draped in the opulent textures of the 1530s, his status whispered through the very fabric of his attire. A deep red doublet catches the light, its silk sleeves appearing smooth and cool to the touch, while a heavy brown fur mantle rests…
Christoph von Laiming in His 59th Year (1517), Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The Court Jester known as "Knight Christoph" (1515) and Portrait of William IV of Bavaria. (1526) come next.
52 years old: Christoph von Laiming in His 59th Year dates from 1517, and Hans Wertinger was born in 1465.
Christoph von Laiming in His 59th Year, The Court Jester known as "Knight Christoph", Portrait of William IV of Bavaria., Portrait of Margrave Bernhard III von Baden, Sick Alexander the Great and his Physician Philippos, Panel from a Series of Rural Scenes: Bathing and Slaughter, Portrait of a Man, The Boar Hunt, Portrait of the Count Palatine Johann III and Count Palatine Philipp, Bishop of Freising. The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
Our catalog holds 17 works by Hans Wertinger, dated from 1499 to 1530.
Mostly in Bavarian State Painting Collections (Munich), Alte Pinakothek (Munich) and Reading Public Museum (Reading). The museum table above lists them all.
In 1520s: 6 of the 17 works on this page were made then, Portrait of William IV of Bavaria. among them.
On this page, the earliest is Portrait of Margrave Bernhard III von Baden (1499) and the latest Portrait of a Man (1530).
Man (9), Landscape (5) and Jewelry (4), across the 17 works on this page.
Oil On Panel, for 10 of the 17 works on this page.
Northern renaissance, judging by the originals on this page.
Portrait of Margrave Bernhard III von Baden, Portrait of the Count Palatine Johann III and Count Palatine Philipp, Bishop of Freising: the Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich holds 4 of the works on this page.
Born in Landshut, Bavaria, around 1465 and tragically passing away in the same city in 1533, Hans Wertinger stands as a pivotal figure in the late 15th-century German art scene. While not a household name today, his prolific output—spanning woodcuts, panel paintings, and decorative designs—offers a remarkable glimpse into the artistic landscape of the Bavarian court during a period of significant political and cultural transformation. Wertinger’s career was inextricably linked to the powerful Wittelsbach dynasty, specifically Duke Ludwig X, and his influence extended far beyond simply fulfilling commissions; he became an integral part of the court's intellectual and aesthetic life.
Wertinger’s early training remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, though it is believed he received instruction within the workshops of prominent Nuremberg artists. However, it was his association with Ludwig X that truly shaped his artistic trajectory. Appointed as the Duke’s court painter in 1516, Wertinger quickly established himself as a versatile and highly sought-after artist. He wasn't merely a decorator; he was tasked with creating visual representations of the Duke’s power, piety, and intellectual pursuits – a demanding role that required both technical skill and astute political awareness.
Wertinger’s artistic output is remarkably diverse, reflecting the multifaceted demands placed upon him by his royal patron. He excelled in several mediums, producing intricate woodcuts depicting biblical scenes, allegorical representations of the months of the year (a popular motif during this period), and elaborate panel paintings for altarpieces and private chapels. His work frequently incorporated rich decorative elements – garlands, heraldic symbols, and classical motifs – demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of visual rhetoric and courtly aesthetics.
A prime example of Wertinger’s skill is “King Alexander and his physician Philip,” currently housed in the National Gallery in Prague. This portrait exemplifies his signature style – a combination of realistic depiction and elaborate decorative framing, reflecting the opulent tastes of the Bavarian court. His later work, like "Crucifixion, with Dr. Peter Baumgartner and His Family," further demonstrates his ability to imbue religious scenes with intimate human drama.
Wertinger’s artistic style is often described as a synthesis of late Gothic and early Renaissance influences. He inherited the meticulous detail and rich color palette characteristic of German Late Gothic art, while simultaneously embracing elements of perspective and naturalism that were gaining prominence in Italy. His work reflects the humanist ideals prevalent at the Bavarian court, particularly the interest in classical antiquity and the study of human anatomy.
The influence of Dietrich von Plieningen, a prominent humanist scholar and advisor to Duke Ludwig X, is also evident in Wertinger’s artistic output. The two collaborated on several projects, including illuminated manuscripts and historical paintings, demonstrating a shared commitment to both artistic excellence and intellectual inquiry.
Hans Wertinger's legacy lies not only in the beauty of his individual works but also in his role as a key figure in shaping the visual culture of the Bavarian court during a pivotal period of German history. His art provides valuable insights into the political, religious, and intellectual currents that defined the late 15th century. His work stands as a testament to the power of patronage and the enduring appeal of artistic expression within the context of royal courts.
Explore stunning hand-painted reproductions of Hans Wertinger’s masterpieces today on OriginalUniqueArt.com – bringing these remarkable works of art into your home or office.
