Beham, Barthel
1502 – 1540
Born in Nuremberg, he was probably trained by his elder brother Sebald with whom he worked. In 1525 the brothers were banished on account of their extreme Protestant beliefs and ironically subsequently found the patronage of the catholic Dukes of Bavaria. Following their banishment Beham turned more to painting than engraving but it was his liking for small unconventional figure groupings and the use of secular Italianate designs and motifs which made the greatest contribution to German printmaking. He died in Italy where his patrons had sent him for experience and art.
