Witz, Conrad

Witz, Conrad (kôn`rät vĭts), fl. c.1434–c.1447, German painter, active at Basel and Geneva. Many of his works, such as The Synagogue and the Meeting of Joachim and Anna, can be seen in Basel. His large altarpieces reveal stubby figures that recall painted sculpture and settings of steeply recessed perspective or topographically accurate landscapes; he was one of the first artists to attempt realistic landscapes. Witz showed a remarkable understanding of the effects of reflected light on water and landscape. In his realism he is an early follower of van Eyck and Campin, although his forms are more abstract and geometric.