Stefan Lochner - Presentation of Christ in the Temple - WGA13347

Stefan Lochner was a German painter who worked in the city of Cologne in the 15th century. He was born around 1410 and died in 1451. Lochner is known for his religious paintings, especially his altarpieces. One of his most famous works is the altarpiece of the patron saint of Cologne, which was created for St Catherine's Church in Cologne. The altarpiece depicts scenes from the lives of the city's patron saints and is notable for its intricate detail and use of vibrant colours. Lochner was also known for his portraits, which were highly realistic and often depicted his subjects with great sensitivity and emotion. One of his most famous portraits is that of St Jerome, now in the National Gallery in London. Despite his talent, very little is known about Lochner's life. It is believed that he trained as a goldsmith before becoming a painter, and that he was strongly influenced by the work of Flemish artists such as Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden. Lochner's style was characterised by his attention to detail, his use of bright colours and his emphasis on emotion and spirituality.