Johann (1498–1537), Duke of Saxony

Lucas Cranach the Elder: "Johann (1498–1537), Duke of Saxony"

The painting "Johann (1498–1537), Duke of Saxony" by Lucas Cranach the Elder, completed in 1537, is a significant work of the Northern Renaissance, executed in oil on beech wood. This portrait exemplifies Cranach's skill in capturing the likeness and status of his subjects, reflecting the political and social milieu of the time. As a court painter to the Electors of Saxony, Cranach played a crucial role in documenting the prominent figures of the Reformation era. His work is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a distinctive style that blends Gothic and Renaissance elements. Cranach's portraits are notable for their ability to convey both the individuality and the authority of their subjects. This painting not only serves as a historical record of Johann, Duke of Saxony, but also highlights Cranach's contribution to the development of portraiture in 16th-century Germany.

The painting "Johann (1498–1537), Duke of Saxony" by Lucas Cranach the Elder, created in 1537, is an oil on beech panel that exemplifies the Northern Renaissance style with its detailed and realistic portrayal of the Duke. The artwork is notable for its use of rich colors and fine brushwork, characteristic of Cranach's portraits, and is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.