Cranach: The Early Years in Vienna

Lucas Cranach the Elder's earliest works were produced in Vienna around 1500, before he moved to Wittenberg to become court painter to the Elector of Saxony. These works are different from his later courtly-elegant compositions and show his close contacts with humanist circles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Hirmer Verlag

Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472–1553) emerged onto the world stage in Vienna around 1500. This publication delves into the artist's early period of work, showcasing all the paintings he created during that time. What sets these paintings apart from the courtly-elegant compositions he later produced as a court painter in Wittenberg is their remarkable expressiveness. Cranach's early works, produced shortly before his move to Wittenberg, reflect his close connections with the humanist circles of Konrad Celtis and Johannes Cuspinian. These connections not only influenced his artistic style but also positioned him as a pioneer of the Danube School, a movement that would later redefine German Renaissance art.

During his time in Vienna, Cranach's paintings encompassed a wide range of subjects, including portraits, religious scenes, and mythological narratives. His works displayed a boldness and intensity that set them apart from the more conservative compositions of his contemporaries. Cranach's use of color and his innovative techniques, such as the use of linear perspective and chiaroscuro, contributed to the visual richness and depth of his paintings. His portraits, in particular, showcased his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether they were noblemen, scholars, or ordinary people.

By examining the paintings produced by Lucas Cranach the Elder during his early period in Vienna, this publication offers a valuable insight into the artist's development and the influences that shaped his artistic journey. It sheds light on the connections he forged with humanist circles and his role as a pioneer of the Danube School. Through his works, Cranach not only demonstrated his technical skill but also his ability to convey emotions and ideas, making him a significant figure in the history of German Renaissance art.

Weight: 818g
Dimension: 263 x 206 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783777439266