Wenzel Jamnitzer
Wenzel Jamnitzer (* 1507 or 1508 in Vienna, † December 19, 1585 in Nuremberg ) was a German goldsmith, engraver and die cutters.
Life
He was a member of a family originating from Moravia, which for 160 years exercised the goldsmith's craft through generations and is known under the name Jamnitzer, Jemniczer, Gemniczer and Jamitzer.
According to old reference books, he was the most famous goldsmith of his time. Among other things, he was in the service of all German Kaiser of his creative life. He probably invented a machine for embossing ornament strip.
A native of Vienna Jamnitzer was 1534 champion, and settled in Nuremberg. He married Anna Braunreuchin in the same year and had with her eleven children. Three of his children, John, Abraham and Wenzel were also goldsmiths. He worked with his sons and sons- Martin Holweck, Hans Straub and Valentin painter in his workshop in the Zisselgasse (now Duerer Albrecht -Str. 17). His ceremonial vessels and jewelry boxes are made with virtuoso skill. Jamnitzer turned away from the usual in the industrial design of art objects by Gothic taste from and was based on the style of the Italian Renaissance. Mostly he used in his products except precious metal shells, corals, shells and small bird eggs. The reproduction of small animals and plants evolved into a feature of his work. His art liked such that commissioned him the Emperor Charles V, Ferdinand I, Maximilian II and Rudolf II continuously as their court goldsmith.
Jamnitzer operational scientific studies to raise the education and technical knowledge of his craft. In 1568 he published the magazine " Perspectiva corporum regularium ". From 1573 he represented the goldsmiths in the small council of the city. From 1571-76, he worked together with Johan Gregor van der Schardt at a table fountain for the imperial court in Vienna, from which four caryatids have received, are kept in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
Wenzel Jamnitzer was on the St. John's Cemetery in Nuremberg buried ( grave No. 664). His grave is adorned with a designed by Jost Amman Epitaph of bronze.
Historic environment
Nuremberg had become in the 16th century next to Magdeburg, Hildesheim and Trier into a major seat of goldsmiths. The craft was in a solid demand for its products, as it was customary to hand over valuable guest gifts during visits to the Emperor or other nobles. The more valuable or exclusive the more likely it was believed to propitiate the recipient for yourself or a concern.
With the spread of the Reformation, the order book for Goldsmith was difficult. The decoration of the Protestant churches happened significantly more economical with objects of art than in the Catholic churches.
With the dawning of the Thirty Years War, the ruling hardly had funds for the purchase of luxury items available, because most of the money now flowed into the financing of mercenary armies and weapons. Gold trophies and other jewelry items were even melted down for this purpose, which will have probably taken some decades earlier work of deceased Jamnitzer.
Works (selection)
- Ernestine Will Come, now in peace Castle, Gotha
- Silver Double Cup in Tucherschloss
- Merkel shear centerpiece, now in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
- Daphne, drinking vessel of silver and coral 1579 / 1586th Dresden State Art Collections.
His most famous works are adjacent to the Merkel 's centerpiece of the Emperor's Cup, welcome cups, trophies and a certificate issued in the Green Vault panel cassette.
As a master brand, he led his family coat of arms with lion head and a W over it.