Adam Elsheimer

Adam Elsheimer (b. 1578 in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany – d. 1610 in Rome, Italy) was an influential artist in the early 17th Century. He was noted for his small scale paintings that included a variety of light effects. He is credited with being an influence on other artists such as Rembrandt and Peter Paul Rubens.

Related Topics:
1578 - Frankfurt-am-Main - Germany - 1610 - Rome, Italy - 17th Century - Rembrandt - Peter Paul Rubens

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Elsheimer was one of 10 children and the son of a tailor. He was apprenticed to artist Philipp Uffenbach. In his early 20s he travelled to Italy. During a short stay in Venice he is believed to have produced several significant works (such as The Deluge and The Holy Family) and been influenced by Venetian painters Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese.

Related Topics:
Philipp Uffenbach - Venice - Tintoretto - Paolo Veronese

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In early 1600 Elsheimer ended up in Rome and apparently secured patronage with Johannes Faber. Here he became well known for his painting of Tobias and the Angel (1602-1603), commonly known as the "small" Tobias. This picture was engraved by Count Hendrick Goudt and as a result was published across Europe. However, his association with Goudt is widely viewed as ruinous to Elsheimer, and resulted in his eventual incarceration in Debtor's prison, where he died.

Related Topics:
1600 - Rome - Johannes Faber - Hendrick Goudt - Debtor's prison

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In 1606 Elsheimer married Carla Antonia Sturada da Francoforte, and in 1609 they had a son.

Related Topics:
1606 - 1609

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The small scale of his cabinet pictures resulted in a small total output. However, it was highly regarded for it's quality and was used as a source of inspiration by other artists, including Rubens, who owned at least four of his works. In spite of his fame and talents, he appears to have both lived and died in poverty.

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