The Pensive Carpenter

1516–1518

Works at St. Florian's monastery near Linz

In 1516–1518 he works at the monastery of St. Florian near Linz.

1519

Takes part in the expulsion of the Jews from Regensburg

As a member of the city's “Council on External Affairs” he is involved in the expulsion of the Jews, the destruction of the synagogue and the building in its place of a church and shrine to the Schöne Maria (Beautiful Mary). He also made etchings of the synagogue's interior and designed a woodcut of the cult image of the Schöne Maria.

1526

Becomes the chief architect of Regensburg

From 1526 he is the city's chief architect, responsible among other things for its fortifications; during the Reformation he devoted himself mainly to architecture. Contemporaries saw in him above all an architect: his gravestone says that a builder lies buried beneath it.

c. 1526

A possible trip to Italy

Around 1526 he possibly visited Italy.

by 1529

Gives up the office of mayor for the Duke's commission

William IV, Duke of Bavaria, commissions “The Battle of Alexander” as part of a series of eight historical battle scenes for the Residenz in Munich; to accept the commission, Altdorfer renounces the office of Mayor of Regensburg. The painting is thought to be the earliest to show the curvature of the Earth from a great height.

1529–1530

Reinforces the city's defences against the Turkish threat

In 1529–1530 he is charged with reinforcing certain fortifications of Regensburg in response to the Turkish threat.