Artwork

James the Greater from Christ, the Apostles, and Saint Paul

James the Greater from Christ, the Apostles, and Saint Paul, by After Lucas Cranach the Elder
James the Greater from Christ, the Apostles, and Saint Paul, by After Lucas Cranach the Elder

James the Greater from Christ, the Apostles, and Saint Paul is a print by the Renaissance artist After Lucas Cranach the Elder. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

James the Greater from Christ, the Apostles, and Saint Paul is a 1564 print attributed to the circle of Lucas Cranach the Elder, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts James the Greater, an apostle, as an elderly man distinguished by a long white beard and a green turban. Accompanying elements—a staff, coins, and notably a sleeping dog beside him—convey themes of pilgrimage, charity, and possibly the quiet contemplation of a life devoted to faith.

Technique & Style

Executed with simple, bold lines and a muted color palette set against a dark background, the print exemplifies characteristics of Renaissance printmaking. The hand-drawn appearance and the use of bold colors are reminiscent of the period's illustrative styles.

History & Provenance

Created in 1564, the work's provenance prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here. Its attribution to 'Lucas Cranach the Elder, After' suggests it may not be a direct work by Cranach but rather by someone in his influence or workshop.

Context

The inclusion of German text below the image suggests the print was intended for a German-speaking audience, aligning with the religious and artistic trends of the Reformation era in Europe.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.