The artwork, titled “Portraits of Henry the Pious, Duke of Saxony and his Wife Katharina von Mecklenburg” by Lucas Cranach the Elder, was created in 1514 in Germany. This oil on canvas piece belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and is a portrait genre. The portraits are currently housed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden, Germany.
The left panel of the artwork depicts Henry the Pious, Duke of Saxony, adorned in an elaborate and intricately designed outfit. His attire is characterized by a rich pattern, with a palette that includes golds and reds, and he stands with a poised expression accompanied by his dog, symbolizing nobility and loyalty. The right panel features Katharina von Mecklenburg, showcasing her in an equally splendid dress, boasting ornate designs with a similar color scheme. She stands elegantly, adorned with detailed jewelry, and is accompanied by a small dog at her feet, indicative of her status and grace. The dark background in both portraits serves to highlight the detailed and luxurious attire of the subjects, bringing attention to the craftsmanship and detail that Lucas Cranach the Elder employed in the creation of these works.
