Artwork
The Stag Hunt of the Elector Frederic the Wise (1463-1525) of Saxony
The Stag Hunt of the Elector Frederic the Wise (1463-1525) of Saxony is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. It dates from 1529 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting, titled The Stag Hunt of the Elector Frederic the Wise (1463-1525) of Saxony, was completed in 1529 by Lucas Cranach the Elder. It presents a dynamic outdoor scene centered around a grand hunting expedition. The work is currently housed at the Statens Museum for Kunst, offering a glimpse into early 16th-century courtly life and landscape painting.
Subject & Meaning
Elector Frederick III of Saxony is prominently featured amidst the participants, who are dressed in period attire and carry weapons.
The composition depicts a lively stag hunt, with numerous figures on horseback and in a boat pursuing deer. Animals are shown running and falling into a river, creating a sense of action. Elector Frederick III of Saxony is prominently featured amidst the participants, who are dressed in period attire and carry weapons. A detailed landscape of trees, mountains, and a distant castle forms the backdrop for this aristocratic pursuit.
Technique & Style
Cranach the Elder utilized oil paint to render this elaborate scene, employing a rich palette and meticulous detail throughout the composition. The painting captures a specific historical period through its depiction of clothing and activities, characteristic of early 16th-century European art. Its detailed execution and vibrant colors contribute to its enduring visual impact as a historical landscape.
History & Provenance
Created in 1529, this painting has been a significant work in the study of Lucas Cranach the Elder's oeuvre. While its full journey through various collections is not detailed in the provided facts, it is now a part of the permanent collection at the Statens Museum for Kunst. Its preservation allows for continued appreciation of its historical and artistic value.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving.
