BURGKMAIR, Hans
(b. 1473, Augsburg, d. 1531, Augsburg)

Barbara and Hans Schellenberger

1505-07
Limewood, 41,5 x 28 cm (each)
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, Cologne

Hans Schellenberger was an Augsburg patrician, who married Barbara Ehem in 1506. He is holding an eyebright flower in his hand, signifying cheerfulness; she has a lily of the valley, a symbol of future happiness. The inscriptions, the portrait type, their being pendants, the symbols and the age of the subjects identify these as betrothal and marriage portraits. These paintings, formerly in the Hermitage in St Petersburg, are the only surviving pair of portraits by Burgkmair.