Lucas Cranach the Elder and Workshop

Lucas Cranach the Elder was born around 1472 in Kronach, which is now in central Germany.¹

Born in 1472 in Kronach, South Germany. Originally named Lucas Müller, he adopted the name 'Cranach' from his birthplace and learned the basics of painting from his father.²

The oldest extant picture by Lucas Cranach the Elder is "The Rest of the Virgin during the Flight into Egypt," dated 1504.¹

Lucas Cranach the Elder was invited by Elector Frederick III (the Wise) of Saxony to be his court painter in 1504 and served him for the rest of his life.¹

In 1505, he was appointed court painter to Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, and moved to Wittenberg, serving successive electors and establishing a firm courtly position.²

A 1508 trip to the Netherlands brought him into contact with figures like Maximilian I, evolving his portraiture and mythological painting styles through exposure to local art.²

From 1508 onwards, Cranach used the winged serpent emblem, a gift from the elector, as his signature on his works.¹

In 1508, he was granted the 'winged serpent' coat of arms by the Elector. This became the workshop's signature, serving as a brand mark to guarantee authenticity and quality.²

In 1509, Lucas Cranach the Elder traveled to the Netherlands and painted Emperor Maximilian and the boy who would become Emperor Charles V.¹

His sons Hans and Lucas the Younger were key workshop members. After his death in 1553, Lucas the Younger took over the workshop, maintaining its style and reputation.²

OctLucas Cranach the Elder died on October 16, 1553, at the age of 80 or 81 in Weimar.¹