Artwork
Madonna and Child under the Apple Tree
Madonna and Child under the Apple Tree is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Madonna and Child under the Apple Tree is a 1530 oil painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder, depicting the Virgin Mary with the Christ child.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows Mary, with long red hair, wearing a blue dress and red cloak, holding the naked baby Jesus. The apples on the tree behind her allude to themes of knowledge and temptation, common in religious art.
Technique & Style
The painting features a vivid color palette, with Mary's blue dress and red cloak contrasting with the golden shawl draped over her shoulders. A tree branch laden with red apples frames her head.
History & Provenance
The painting is now held at the State Hermitage Museum.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving.
