HOGENBERG, Nicolaas

Flemish engraver, etcher and woodcutter, part of a family of artists. It is thought that he worked in Augsburg in the early years of the century, but he is recorded in Mechelen by 1527. Hogenberg has been identified by Friedländer as the Monogrammist NH, an artist who executed a number of fine woodcuts and etchings dated 1522-24, including a pair depicting The Patriarchs and a Group of Saints with Sts Peter and Christopher (1524), and Jeremiah Dropped into the Pit (1525), in all of which the artist depicts monumental figures in a classicising and Italian style, with strong chiaroscuroGLOSSARYIn painting, the modelling of form (the creation of a sense of three-dimensionality in objects) through the use of light and shade. The introduction of oil paints in the 15th century, replacing tempera, encouraged the development of chiaroscuro, for oil paint allowed a far greater range and control of tone. The term chiaroscuro is used in particular for the dramatic contrasts of light and dark introduced by Caravaggio. When the contrast of light and dark is strong, chiaroscuro becomes an important element of composition. effects and frequent use of foreshortening, the architectural backgrounds have pronounced verticals and horizontals.

Hogenberg etched a friezeGLOSSARYa horizontal band of architectural decoration; in a classical entablature, the horizontal member band between the architrave and the cornice. consisting of 40 plates representing the Entry of the Emperor Charles V into Bologna (1530), suggesting a possible visit to Italy. Four etchings of the Life and Death of Margaret of Austria (1530) are also attributed to the artist. Van Mander stated that Hogenberg worked as a painter and produced a series of scenes from the History of Caleb and Joshua for a chapelGLOSSARYa small separate place for worship, either part of a large church or a separate building. in Mechelen CathedralGLOSSARYThe principal church of a province or diocese, where the throne of the bishop is placed. For reasons lost to time and tradition, a cathedral always faces west - toward the setting sun. The altar is placed at the east end. The main body, or nave, of the cathedral is usually divided into one main and two side aisles. These lead up to the north and south transepts, or arms of the cross, the shape in which a cathedral is usually formed.. After Hogenberg's death, Frans Crabbe took over his workshop and issued a number of his prints.