“Dr. Johannes Cuspinian,” crafted circa 1503 by Lucas Cranach the Elder, is an oil painting on wood representative of the Northern Renaissance movement. This portrait, measuring 59 by 40 centimeters, is housed at the Oskar Reinhart Foundation in Winterthur, Switzerland.
The artwork depicts a finely dressed man wearing a red cap and a luxurious fur-trimmed cloak. He clutches a book, possibly symbolizing his scholarly pursuits, with one hand adorned with a ring, suggestive of his status or affluence. The background reveals a detailed landscape featuring barren trees on the left and almost fairy-tale-like rocky cliffs and castles on the right. In the sky, birds are in flight, contributing to the serene yet intricate backdrop, which complements the subject’s contemplative expression. This artwork is an exemplary piece of the Northern Renaissance portrait genre, showcasing the detailed and expressive style for which Lucas Cranach the Elder is renowned.
