An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of Anna Buchner, née Lindackerc. 1520
Artist: Lucas Cranach the Elder
German (Saxony), 1472 - 1553
One of a pair of marriage portraits (see 57.11)
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
Once upon a time, in the colorful corridors of the Renaissance, there lived an artist named Lucas Cranach. A master of his craft, he had a signature style that danced through his wedding portraits like a graceful waltz. Each subject was seated elegantly, hands resting gently in their laps—one hand cradling the other—like two cherished souls united in deep affection.
Amongst these beautifully poised subjects, one figure stood out brilliantly: Anna Buchner. Imagine, if you will, a woman adorned in the riches of her lineage. Her gown draped like flowing silk, embracing her form with the elegance of a summer breeze. A pearl-studded tiara crowned her golden locks, each shining bauble whispering tales of opulence, and a heavy gold chain hung around her neck, the epitome of luxury. Rings glistened upon her fingers, rubies and emeralds glinting in the soft light, each stone a treasure, each glance a narrative of family lineage and legacy.
But Anna, unlike many others in these portraits, turned her gaze away from the viewer. Her eyes, full of stories untold, refrained from meeting ours, a gesture that hinted at modesty — a quality that was revered in her time. In her quiet demeanor, she communicated more than words could convey, her elegance speaking volumes about duty and decorum within her historically anchored existence.
The image of Anna Buchner became a canvas of aspirations and values, a rich tapestry woven with threads of family pride and societal grace. Within the serene elegance of her portrayal, the echoes of love and legacy reverberated through the ages, enticing us to draw closer to the artful moments that balance between observation and understanding.
About the artist
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