An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of Moritz Buchnerc. 1520
Artist: Lucas Cranach the Elder
German (Saxony), 1472 - 1553
One of a pair of marriage portraits (see 57.10)
16 x 10 3/4 x 3/16 in. (40.6 x 27.3 x 0.5 cm)
Oil on panel
Painting
Germany
16th century
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund
In the soft glow of a late afternoon light, two figures stand together, their gazes directed outward, inviting us to share in their lives. These are the companion portraits of Moritz Büchner and his beloved wife, Anna Lindacker Büchner. The canvas is a window into their world, a world where ambition and prosperity are just beginning to take root, blossoming in the heart of 16th-century Germany.
Moritz, a successful merchant and respected city alderman, embodies the spirit of a newly affluent middle class emerging alongside the tides of capitalism. He is dressed in fine garments that speak of his achievements, and his expression reflects a mixture of confidence and pride; a man aware that he stands at the forefront of change. By his side, Anna radiates grace and strength, her tranquil presence providing a perfect counterbalance to her husband's vigorous ambitions.
Their portraits are brought to life by the skilled hand of Lucas Cranach, the court artist of Frederick III of Saxony. It is Cranach who has been entrusted with the task of immortalizing this couple, ensuring that their legacy will endure long after their time. With each brushstroke, he captures the essence of their aspirations, weaving a narrative that transcends the mere representation of faces—a celebration of new beginnings and the promise of hope in a rapidly shifting society.
To the left of Moritz’s strong figure, the date of the portrait stands alongside Cranach's signature, a striking winged serpent that symbolizes both transformation and healing. This detail hints at the richness of the moment: a snapshot of life when opportunity lay wide open, and with it, the chance to etch their mark upon history.
As we stand before the painting, we feel the palpable energy of their experience, the unspoken stories woven into their expressions. In this tranquil space, Moritz and Anna invite us to ponder not just their lives, but the broader tapestry of human experience—where fortunes grow, dreams unfold, and legacies are born.
About the artist
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