“Portrait of Elector Frederick the Wise in his Old Age,” created by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1525 in Germany, is an exemplary piece from the Northern Renaissance art movement. Executed in oil on panel, the portrait measures 56 by 38 centimeters and currently resides in a private collection. The artwork, belonging to the genre of portraiture, displays Cranach’s adept skill in capturing the human likeness and personality.
The subject of the artwork, Elector Frederick the Wise, is depicted in his advanced years, with a demeanor that exudes wisdom and dignity. He is adorned in a black tunic with a fur-lined cloak, a characteristic white ruffled shirt, and a black cap, encapsulating the attire customary for individuals of his stature during that period. The discerning look in his eyes and the slightly furrowed brow articulate a sense of contemplation and authority. The background is a muted green, which contrasts subtly with the subject’s attire, directing focus towards his facial features and expression. The detailed rendering of textures, especially in the fur and fabric, exemplifies Cranach’s meticulous technique and his contribution to the Northern Renaissance’s emphasis on realism.
