Hans von Aachen

Hans von Aachen (1552, Cologne - March 4, 1615, Prague) was a German mannerist painter.

His name is derived from the birth place of his father, Aachen in Germany. Other variations of the name include Johann von - and - von Achen and various concisions like Janachen, Fanachen, Abak, Jean Dac, Aquano, van Aken etc.

who dominated the art scene in Germany at the time.

He returned to Germany in 1588 where he became well known as a painter of portraits for noble houses. He painted several works for Duke William V of Bavaria. He married Regina, the daughter of the composer Orlando di Lasso in Munich. In Munich he came into contact with the Imperial Court in Prague. In 1592 he was appointed official painter of Rudolph II, Holy Roman Emperor. However, Von Aachen only moved to Prague in 1601, where he stayed painting commissions from Emperor Rudolph II, and later from Matthias I.

Amongst van Aachens pupils were Peter Isaak and Joseph Heinz. His works have been copied by Wolfgang Kilian, Dominicus Custos and Jan Sadeler.

ources

* "Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie" - [http://mdz2.bib-bvb.de/~adb/ online version]

Persondata
NAME=Aachen, Hans von
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Achen, Johann von
SHORT DESCRIPTION=Mannerist painter
DATE OF BIRTH=1552
PLACE OF BIRTH=Cologne, Germany
DATE OF DEATH=March 4, 1615
PLACE OF DEATH=Prague, Czech Republic