Lucus Cranach
Born: Kronach, Germany 1472.
Died: Weimar, Germany 1553.
Lucus Cranach the Elder was of the same generation as fellow countryman, Durer, but not much is known of his initial years or about his training. He was painting in Vienna in around 1500 where he produced portraits and religious panels of considerable inventiveness.
His importance lies, however, in his ability to integrate figures within a natural environment. This is probably most significantly shown in his Rest on the flight to Egypt, 1504, which combines charming fantasy with the familiar religious narrative. The so-called Danube school is thought to have originated from the inspiration engenderer by such painting. After 1505 the poetic lyricism and inventiveness of Cranach's art diminished when he became court painter to the Elector of Saxony in Wittenberg. The formal requirements of commissioned portraits and religious works extracted fluidity and original spirit from Cranach's work. However, his paintings were fashionable and his friendship with Martin Luther gained him Notoriety.
His nudes, as in Adam and Eve, are more curious than classical. Their contrived gestures, awkward deportment and occasional, partial clothing often place them in the realm of erotic.
Masterpieces:
Adam and Eve.
Cupid complaining to Venus.
The nymph of the fountain.
text: The A-Z of Art, Nicola Hodge and Libby Anson.
Images: google images.