Georg Pencz (c. 1500 – 1550)

• Was a German engraver, painter and printmaker.
• Pencz was probably born in Westheim near Bad Windsheim/Franconia.
• He travelled to Nuremberg in 1523 and joined Albrecht Dürer’s atelier.
• Like Dürer, he visited Italy and was profoundly influenced by Venetian art.
• It is believed he worked with Marcantonio Raimondi.
• In 1525, he was imprisoned with the brothers Barthel Beham and Hans Sebald Beham, the so-called "godless painters", for spreading the radical views of Thomas Müntzer by asserting disbelief in baptism, Christ and transubstantiation.
•The three were pardoned shortly afterwards and became part of the group known as the "Little Masters" because of their tiny, intricate and influential prints.
• As an engraver, he ranks among the best of the German “Little Masters”.
• Notable prints include Six Triumphs of Petrarch and Life of Christ (26 plates).
• In 1550, he was named court painter by Albert, Duke of Prussia, but died in Leipzig before arriving at the court.
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