Schönfeld, Umkreis/circle Johann Heinrich

In 1626 Schönfeld was apprentice to Johann Sichelbein in Memmingen, and he spent his journeyman years (1627--1629) in Stuttgart and Basel. From 1632/33 he lived in Italy, mainly in Naples. In 1648 he entered the service of the Duca di Orsini in Rome, and became a member of the Roman Schilderbent [painters' association], the Triangle. His style, which shows Dutch, Roman and French characteristics, influenced the Neapolitan school. Via Venice, he arrived in Augsburg in 1651, and between 1653 and 1655 he worked primarily for Bohemian and Austrian clients. Due to his work for Prince-Archbishop Guidobald Thun (1616–1668), some of his paintings are still to be found in Salzburg. His œuvre includes depictions of mythological and historical themes, and from 1651 onwards he executed many ecclesiastical commissions such as altar-pieces, as well as portraits, etchings and sketches for goldsmiths.

Author: Ducke Astrid

Literature: Translated catalogue text from (Translation: Gail Schamberger MA, Salzburg): Ducke Astrid: Der Kuss der Musen. Festspiele göttlicher Inspiration. Ausstellung Residenzgalerie Salzburg, DomQuartier Salzburg 20.2.2020-10.1.2021. Salzburg 2020, S. 105