A Master of Sorrowful Piety: The Legacy of Frater Francke Johannes Francke, known as Frater Francke, stands as a pivotal figure in the burgeoning artistic landscape of 15th-century Germany – specifically within the vibrant Gothic tradition of Hamburg. While biographical details remain somewhat elusive, surviving documentation confirms his involvement in monumental religious commissions during his lifetime, cementing his reputation as one of the era’s most accomplished altarpiece painters. Early Life and Training: Precise information regarding Francke's formative years is scarce. However,…