(b ?Munich, c. 1500; d Mechelen, before 23 Sept 1539). Engraver, etcher and woodcutter. It is thought that he worked in Augsburg in the early years of the century, but he is recorded in Mechelen by 1527. Hogenberg has been identified by Friedländer as the Monogrammist NH, an artist who executed a number of fine woodcuts and etchings dated 1522–4, including a pair depicting The Patriarchs and a Group of Saints with SS Peter and Christopher (1524; H 17, 20), and Jeremiah Dropped into the Pit (1525; H 2), in all of which the artist depicts monumental figures in a classicizing and Italian style, with strong chiaroscuro effects and frequent use of foreshortening; the architectural backgrounds have pronounced verticals and horizontals. Hogenberg etched a frieze consisting of 40 plates representing the Entry of the Emperor Charles V into Bologna (1530; H 31–70), suggesting a possible visit to Italy. Four etchings of the Life and Death of Margaret of Austria (1530; H 27–30) are also attributed to the artist. Van Mander stated that Hogenberg worked as a painter and produced a series of scenes from the History of Caleb and Joshua for a chapel in Mechelen Cathedral. After Hogenberg’s death, Frans Crabbe took over his workshop and issued a number of his prints.

Part of the Hogenberg family

• Hogenberg, Nicolas
  • Belgium, §III, 2(iii): Graphic arts, 1400–c 1550
  • Crabbe, Frans
  • Etching, §II, 1(i): Origins: Germany and the Netherlands
  • Hogenberg
  • works
    • Vermeyen, Jan Cornelisz.
    • Woodcut, §II, 3(ii): 16th century: The Netherlands