Artwork

Portrait of Martin Luther

Portrait of Martin Luther, by Lucas Cranach the Elder, oil, 1532
Portrait of Martin Luther, by Lucas Cranach the Elder, oil, 1532

Portrait of Martin Luther is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. It dates from 1532 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

If you're interested in learning more about the artist behind this piece, you might want to explore the works of Lucas Cranach the Elder.

This portrait features a man with short, wavy brown hair and a black hat. He wears a black turtleneck sweater, and his face is turned slightly to the right. The background is a light blue-green color.

A small inscription in the upper-left corner reads "1532" and includes a signature that is difficult to decipher. The subject's gaze is directed off to the side, and his expression is neutral.

The painting's style and technique suggest a Renaissance-era work, characterized by attention to detail and realism. If you're interested in learning more about the artist behind this piece, you might want to explore the works of Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Overview

This oil painting, created in 1532, is a portrait by Lucas Cranach the Elder. It is currently held at the Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Martin Luther, shown with short, wavy brown hair and wearing a black hat and turtleneck. His neutral expression and sideways gaze convey a sense of introspection.

Technique & Style

The painting is characterized by attention to detail and realism, consistent with Renaissance-era portraiture. A small inscription in the upper-left corner includes the date '1532' and the artist's signature.

History & Provenance

The work was painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder, a prominent artist of the Renaissance.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lucas Cranach the Elder

Artist

Lucas Cranach the Elder

Lucas Cranach the Elder was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving.