A German-Swiss artist and printmaker who worked in a Northern Renaissance style, best known as one of the greatest portraitists of the 16th century. He also produced religious art, satire and Reformation propaganda and made a significant contribution to the history of book design. He is called the Younger to distinguish him from his father who was an accomplished painter of the Late Gothic school.

He worked mainly in Basel as a young artist, painting murals and religious works and designsd for stained glass windows and printed books, but also the occasional portrait. When the Reformation reached Basel, he worked for reformist clients while continuing to serve traditional religious patrons. His Late Gothic style was enriched by artistic trends in Italy, France and the Netherlands, as well as by Renaissance humanism.

In 1526, he travelled to England in search of work, and quickly built a high reputation working under the patronage of Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell. By 1535, he was King's Painter to King Henry VIII.