Hans Krell (Krehl/Kreil): Life and Legacy Early Life and Career Hans Krell, also known as Krehl or Kreil, was a German painter of the Renaissance period. Born likely in Crailsheim or Ansbach, Germany, he lived until 1565. His early career began as court painter to George the Pious, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach in Ansbach. This position provided him with valuable experience and exposure to aristocratic patronage. Service to Royalty Krell’s artistic talents soon attracted wider attention, leading him to enter the service of King Louis II of Hungary in Prague and Buda around 1522–1526. As c…