His most outstanding works are biblical and historical subjects set against highly imaginative and atmospheric landscape backgrounds.
Nothing is known about the painter s training and early beginnings.
There is evidence that since 1505 he lived in Regensburg, where he bought property in 1513. In 1510 Altdorfer traveled in the Alpine countries. His election to the town council in 1519 and to the inner council in 1526 shows his good standing in Regensburg. It is also known that he served as civic architect, though there is no information about his architectural work. Altdorfer was one of the most talented painters in the whole of German art.