Move to Cologne and success Stefan Lochner

detail, dombild altarpiece

during 1430s, painting in cologne had become conventional , old fashioned, , still under influence of courtly style of master of saint veronica, active until 1420. after arrival lochner, earlier exposed netherlandish painters , working in oils, eclipsed other artists in city. according art historian emmy wellesz, after lochner s arrival painting in cologne became infused new life , perhaps enriched earlier exposure netherlandish artists. became celebrated capable , modern painter in city, known maister steffan zu cöln .

lochner first appears in extant records in 1442, 9 years before died. moved cologne received commission city council provision of decorations visit of emperor frederick iii. lochner seemingly established , although other artists involved in preparing event, responsible important arrangements. centrepiece seems have been dombild altarpiece, described modern art historians important commission of fifteenth century in cologne . recorded having been paid forty marks , ten shillings effort.

lochner bought house wife lysbeth around 1442. nothing else known , couple apparently had no children. in 1444 acquired 2 larger properties, zome carbunckel , near saint alban church, , zome alden gryne . historians have speculated whether these acquisitions indicate need house growing group of assistants due rising commercial success. lived in 1 house , worked in other. purchases may have caused strain; in around 1447 seems have encountered financial difficulties, , forced remortgage homes. second mortgages taken out in 1448.