Who painted Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman was painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1526.

Where can I see Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Young Woman?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Young Woman are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Young Woman

Lucas Cranach the Elder , 1526

Portrait of a Young Woman is a paint painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. It dates from 1526 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1526 by the German Renaissance painter Lucas Cranach the Elder, this oil painting presents a young woman against a deep, muted backdrop. The work is part of the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display as an example of Cranach’s portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, identifiable by her vivid red‑gold hair and confident pose, wears a low‑cut red dress accented with black stripes, a green‑red jacket with padded shoulders, and a wide‑brimmed hat. Her hands rest lightly on her chest, and a small ring on her finger hints at marital status or wealth, while the faint landscape behind her adds a subtle narrative element.

Technique & Style

Cranach employs a stark chiaroscuro, using the dark background to isolate the figure and intensify the luminous colors of her garments. The contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the texture of the fabrics and the sculptural modeling of the face, reflecting the artist’s skill in rendering both detail and atmospheric depth.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the portrait has passed through several private collections before being acquired by the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Documentation traces its ownership back to the 17th century, confirming its presence in European aristocratic circles prior to its museum accession.

Context

The painting belongs to a period when Cranach frequently depicted members of the German elite, integrating contemporary fashion with symbolic elements. The inclusion of a distant castle and watercraft aligns with the era’s tendency to embed status cues and landscape motifs within portraiture.