“Christ Taking Leave of His Mother,” created by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1520, is an oil painting on wood reflecting the Northern Renaissance movement. Characterized as a religious painting, it measures 110 by 83.5 centimeters and is currently housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
The artwork portrays a poignant moment featuring Christ and his mother, set against a detailed landscape with lush greenery and distant hills. Christ’s solemn expression and gentle gesture seem to convey a message of reassurance to his mother, who kneels beside him with clasped hands, appearing deeply sorrowful. Surrounding her are three other figures, two women and one man, who also display signs of grief and concern. The use of rich, vivid colors and fine details in the characters’ expressions and attire are indicative of Cranach’s mastery and the intricate style of the Northern Renaissance period. The atmospheric sky and serene background add to the emotional depth and spiritual resonance of the scene.
