Barthel Bruyn the Elder: A Portraitist of Würzburg’s Renaissance Barthel Bruyn (c. 1493 – 1555), born in Wessel, Germany, stands as a prominent figure within the artistic landscape of the German Renaissance. Though biographical details remain somewhat sparse—primarily gleaned from records pertaining to his patronage and commissions—his legacy endures through an impressive oeuvre of portraits that capture the spirit of his era with remarkable sensitivity and precision. Primarily active in Würzburg, Bruyn’s career spanned several decades during which he established himself as a respected artis…