377. Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553),

German, The Three Duchesses of Saxony, Sibylla,

Emilia and Sidonia, daughters of Duke Henry

the Pious, 1535. Oil on linden panel, 62 x 89 cm.

Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.

 

 

Lucas Cranach the Elder

(1472 Kronach – 1553 Weimar)

 

Lucas Cranach was one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance, as shown by the diversity of his artistic interests as well as his awareness of the social and political events of his time. He developed a number of painting techniques which were afterwards used by several generations of artists. His somewhat mannered style and splendid palette are easily recognised in numerous portraits of monarchs, cardinals, courtiers and their ladies, religious reformers, humanists and philosophers. He also painted altarpieces, mythological scenes and allegories, and he is well-known for his hunting scenes. As a gifted draughtsman, he executed numerous engravings on both religious and secular subjects, and as court painter, he was involved in tournaments and masked balls. As a result, he completed a great number of costume designs, armorials, furniture, and parade-ground arms. The high point of the German Renaissance is reflected in his achievements.