Lautensack probably received his training as a goldsmith in Nuremberg. He identified himself as a painter, though there are no known paintings of his. His artistic work consists mainly of etchings, which include history and biblical subjects as well as portraits and landscapes. In addition, there are a series of drawings and portrait medals. Lautensack's works were first influenced by the Nuremberg 'Little Masters', the brothers Beham and Georg Pencz. The fantastic landscapes of his early work were influenced by the Danube School. In 1554 Lautensack was summoned by Emperor Ferdinand I to Vienna, where he was to illustrate the imperial coin collection in engravings. Subsequently, his patrons were either members of the court or humanists for whom he produced book illustrations and portrait etchings. The panoramic landscapes of his late work exhibit distinct influences from Netherlandish painting.
