Anton von Woensam was active all his life in Cologne during the first half of the 16th century. He was one of its main woodcut engravers. During the latter part of his life he also turned to painting.

 

Our painting represents two local saints from Cologne: Irmgardis was an 11th century noblewoman who distributed all her belongings, Severin was a 4th century bishop.

 

 

German painter, draughtsman and engraver

Worms shortly before 1500 – 1541 Cologne

 

Also known as Anton (Woensam) von Worms.

 

He must have trained painting with his father, Jaspar.

 

Jaspar moved with his family to Cologne in or shortly before 1510. Anton remained in Cologne until his death in 1541.

 

Although also active as a painter, he made his living primarily from designing book illustrations. Anton von Woensam was a very productive graphic artist, one of the best woodcutters of his time: 549 of his prints have survived until today. The British Museum for example holds 129 of his woodcuts. His oldest woodcut dates from 1517. In 1531 he published his main work, an extra-wide (59,2 X 352,6 cm) and detailed woodcut cityscape from Cologne on nine sheets, joined together.

 

It was only in 1528 that he was mentioned for the first time as a painter; 39 paintings are being attributed to him. 

 

He married Geyrtgin Doenwalt already before 1528, at which date she inherited her part of her parents’ house. The couple had one son (called Jaspar like his grandfather) and two daughters.

 

Anton von Woensam died relatively young, from the plague. His father survived him a few years (until 1547/1550), his wife survived him 20 years until 1661.

 

 

The left, female saint is Saint Irmgard(is) of Süchteln or of Cologne. She lived during the 11th century (before 1013 – 1062; according to some sources she even lived until a 4th of September between 1082 and 1089).

Her father was a Count; she is therefore always represented wearing a crown. 

 

After the death of both her parents she distributed all her wealth among hospitals, churches and Christian institutions. She lived as a hermit in the forest, first in solitude, but soon no longer alone, but with followers. She visited Rome three times, hence also her pilgrim staff. Each time she was offered many relics of holy martyrs, which she distributed among the local German churches, chapters and convents. She also distributed territories offered to her by her uncle, the Holy Roman Emperor Henry III, among the Cathedral and the Abbey of Saint Pantaleon in Cologne. 

 

As to the male saint at left, this must be Saint Severin of Cologne. He lived during the 4th century and had been the third bishop of Cologne. His attributes are therefore the crosier and the miter.

 

The frame is not original; it actually seems to be a rather young, but tasteful addition.

 

 

Because both saints are nicely portrayed and set in an interesting landscape, especially the right part with a farmhouse (or is it an abbey) near a small lake.