Wolfgang Huber (c. 1485-1553) – Jakob Ziegler von Landau Kunsthistorisches Museum

The portrait presents a man in what appears to be clerical attire, set against a landscape backdrop. He is positioned centrally within the composition, facing directly toward the viewer. The artist has rendered him with a pale complexion and a full white beard, suggesting age and perhaps wisdom or authority. His eyes are strikingly blue, providing a focal point amidst the otherwise muted palette.
The man’s garments consist of a dark robe, likely black, with wide sleeves that drape heavily around his hands. A white clerical collar is visible at his neck, reinforcing the impression of religious affiliation. The folds in the fabric are rendered with careful attention to detail, contributing to a sense of weight and texture. His hands are clasped loosely in front of him, an action which conveys composure rather than agitation or urgency.
Behind the figure stretches a landscape painted in cool tones of blue and green. A low-lying horizon line is punctuated by distant mountains, creating a sense of depth and vastness. The vegetation appears sparse, suggesting perhaps a somewhat austere environment.
Above the man’s head, an inscription is placed within a rectangular panel. The lettering, rendered in capital letters, identifies him with a name: IACOBI, ZIEGLERI, LANDAVI, ICON. This textual element serves to formally designate the subject and provides crucial information for understanding his identity.
The overall effect of the painting is one of solemnity and dignity. The restrained color palette, the formal pose, and the inscription all contribute to a sense of gravitas. It seems likely that this portrait was intended as a memorial or record of an individual of significance within a religious context. The landscape backdrop, while seemingly simple, may symbolize his spiritual domain or the broader world he served.