Niklaus Manuel
Niklaus Manuel was a prominent sixteenth-century Renaissance artist and writer known for his vibrant and thematic works centered around religious and mythological subjects. Born to an Italian apothecary in Switzerland, Manuel was a self-taught artist who created notable pieces such as "Saint Eligius in His Workshop" and "The Execution of John the Baptist," both characterized by dramatic lighting and landscapes. His art often explored themes of feminine power, including depictions of witches. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Manuel also served as a mercenary soldier during the invasions of Lombardy, Italy, where he sustained injuries that led him to focus more on writing and poetry afterward. He was a vocal supporter of the Reformation, using his literary talents to critique ecclesiastical authority through plays and political writings. Later in life, he played an influential role in the Inner Council of Berne, contributing to significant acts of religious reform. His multifaceted contributions to art, literature, and political discourse reflect the dynamic cultural landscape of his time.
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Subject Terms
Niklaus Manuel
Artist
- Born: c. 1484
- Died: 1530
Biography
Niklaus Manuel (sometimes erroneously called Niklaus Manuel Deutsch) was a sixteenth century Renaissance artist and writer. Manuel was the son of Emanuel Alleman, an Italian apothecary who had immigrated to Switzerland.
Manuel was a self-taught artist who primarily created colorful pieces based on religious and mythological themes. His first known painting, Saint Eligius in His Workshop, painted in 1515, was located as an altarpiece in a church in Bern, Switzerland. Other well-known religious works painted by Manuel include The Execution of John the Baptist and The Judgment of Paris. These works are noted for there dramatic use of lighting and landscape. In addition to religious pieces, Manuel also created many works that depicted witches and manifested the theme of feminine power.
From 1516 to 1522, Manuel served as a mercenary soldier during the invasions of Lombardy, Italy. He suffered injuries during battle, and after returning from war, Manuel devoted his time to creating poetry and writing political works. He adamantly supported the Reformation in his writings, especially his plays, which attacked the rigidness of the ecclesiastical dogmas and laws.
In his later years, Manuel continued to use his artistic and literary talents to debate religious reform. Manuel joined the Inner Council of Berne where, as a member, he exacted great influence over many Reformation acts of his time.