Skip to main content

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

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
Portrait of Johannes Feige
Lucas Cranach the Elder
/

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.

Download image
Download low-resolution image

Download a low-resolution copy of this image for personal use.

License this image

License and download a high-resolution image for reproductions up to A3 size from the National Gallery Picture Library.

License image
Download low-resolution image

This image is licensed for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons agreement.

Examples of non-commercial use are:

  • Research, private study, or for internal circulation within an educational organisation (such as a school, college or university)
  • Non-profit publications, personal websites, blogs, and social media

The image file is 800 pixels on the longest side.

As a charity, we depend upon the generosity of individuals to ensure the collection continues to engage and inspire. Help keep us free by making a donation today.

Download low-resolution image

You must agree to the Creative Commons terms and conditions to download this image.

Creative Commons Logo