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Lucas Cranach the Elder, 'Portrait of Johannes Feige', possibly early 1530s

About the work

The coat of arms on the left resembles that of Johann Feige, chancellor of Hesse (a state in central Germany) between 1514 and 1542, while the shield on the right may represent that of his mother. Feige moved in the same Protestant circles that employed Cranach, and is likely to have known the artist.

Johann was possibly in his early fifties when Cranach painted this picture, and the artist has masterfully portrayed the sitter’s wisps of thinning hair and pallid, jowly face. Although he is simply dressed, the diamond pattern on Johann’s coat suggests his clothing is of good quality and expensive. The money bag worn on his belt also hints at his wealth.

Key facts

Full title
Portrait of Johannes Feige
Artist
Lucas Cranach the Elder
Artist dates
1472 - 1553
Date made
possibly early 1530s
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
40.7 × 26.1 cm
Inscription summary
Signed; Dated
Acquisition credit
Presented by John P. Heseltine, 1903
Inventory number
NG1925
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Previous owners

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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You've viewed 6 of 10 works