ABSTRACT
Conrad von Soest (c.1360–c.1422) was one of the most significant German Painters of the late Medieval period who played a pivotal role in the diffusion of the International Courtly Style (International Gothic). Influences of his art can still be traced along the Hanseatic trade routes from England to modern Poland. His costly altarpieces show exquisite craftsmanship and are proudly signed. Active in the Imperial Free City of Dortmund, he worked for and socialised with the cosmopolitan and sophisticated patrician merchants there who at that time controlled the wool trade throughout Europe. His patrons may have carried smaller paintings and designs by their favourite artist in their luggage or to the homes of family members who settled in the main centres of Hanseatic trade.
