1472–1553

Lucas Cranach the Elder

Lucas Cranach the Elder was born in Kronach, Franconia, and became court painter to the Electors of Saxony at Wittenberg in 1505. A close friend of Martin Luther, he painted many portraits of the reformer and helped shape the visual identity of the Protestant Reformation. He ran a large workshop with his sons and produced portraits, altarpieces and stylized mythological nudes. He also ran a pharmacy and a printing press, and served as mayor of Wittenberg.