The artwork, titled “John, Duke of Saxony,” was created by Lucas Cranach the Elder between circa 1534 and 1537 in Germany. It is an oil, wood, and tempera painting that belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. Measuring 65.1 by 44.1 centimeters, the portrait is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
“John, Duke of Saxony” captures the Duke in a somber and dignified manner, characterized by a deep, almost austere expression. The Duke is depicted wearing a black hat adorned with a single, dark feather, which casts a shadow over his forehead, adding to the intensity of his gaze. His attire is composed of a dark, voluminous robe, contrasted by the light ruff at his neck, meticulously painted to showcase the texture and detail. The background of the artwork is a solid, rich red hue that emphasizes the prominence and figure of the Duke. His hands, prominently featured at the bottom right corner of the painting, grasp the handle of a sword or staff, signifying his authority and nobility. The use of chiaroscuro in the painting highlights Cranach’s skill in rendering light and shadow to create depth and realism, making this portrait a compelling representation of Renaissance portraiture.
