Kaisheim Altar

work by Holbein the Elder

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June 30, 2026

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The Kaisheim Altar is a work by Hans Holbein the Elder, a German painter active around the turn of the 16th century. Painted in 1502, it represents a stylistic shift in Holbein's work, moving towards greater depth and more dynamic figures compared to his earlier pieces. This new manner, characterized by lively movement and individualized portraits, may have been influenced by Matthias Grünewald. Holbein the Elder was part of a family of painters and is known for his honest and insightful portraiture, evident in his drawings. The Kaisheim Altar is now located in Munich.12

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Hans Holbein, the Elder
…phase that includes also the Kaisheim Altar (1502; Munich) and the Basilica of St. Paul (c. 1503–04; Augsburg). These paintings have much greater depth than before, with a freer grouping of highly individualized figures—often portraits—in rather lively movement. It has been suggested that this new manner was perhaps inspired by…
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…phase that includes also the Kaisheim Altar (1502; Munich) and the Basilica of St. Paul (c. 1503–04; Augsburg). These paintings have much greater depth than before, with a freer grouping of highly individualized figures—often portraits—in rather lively movement. It has been suggested that this new manner was perhaps inspired by…
Read More