Lamentation over Dead Christ

From the galleries of the Bowes Museum, Co. Durham

Lucas Cranach the Elder (c. 1472-1553)
Lamentation over Dead Christ
c. 1530s
Oil on panel
German School
Private collection

The German Renaissance painter and printmaker who was also court painter to the Electors of Saxony for most of his career, is known for his portraits and religious subjects. Here, he is depicting the emotion episode of the Lamentation. The mournful mood is set by the single conifer tree, whose branches symbolise the cross on which Christ died. The composition is thought unique for Cranach. He more often produced many versions of a theme. These were painted by his large workshop, which included his sons Hans and Lucas.