A Life in Regensburg
Martin Speer was a painter, etcher, and engraver active during the Baroque and Rococo periods. Born in Regensburg, Germany, his artistic journey began with studies at a monastery school in Rottenbuch. Following his apprenticeship under Mattias Bußjäger in Meran, he received support for travels through Bohemia, England, France, Italy, and Austria. His formal training was furthered at the Academy in Vienna and in Naples under Francesco Solimena.
His professional focus remained centered in Regensburg, the Upper Palatinate, and parts of Lower and Upper Bavaria. During his career, he was recognized for his portraiture, including a work depicting Dalila cutting Samson's hair, which is now considered lost. He also painted a portrait of Senator Christian Theophil Dimpfel. Notably, the artist Johann Zoffany learned the craft of painting under Speer's guidance in Regensburg.
Artistic Works and Commissions
Speer's body of work includes numerous significant religious commissions, particularly altar paintings and frescoes. His notable works include:
