The composition of the painting is divided into two sections, but in a less rigid and schematic manner than is the case in other versions of the same subject. The nude figure is seated on a tree trunk centrally in the foreground. His head is inclined to the left and
The composition of the painting is divided into two sections, but in a less rigid and schematic manner than is the case in other versions of the same subject. The nude figure is seated on a tree trunk centrally in the foreground. His head is inclined to the left and his arms are folded. A prophet from the Old Testament is on the side of Law. He bends down to the nude figure and appears to speak with him and points with his left hand to the crucifixion on the side of Mercy. As such he fulfills the same function as St John the Baptist. By making this alteration Luther's idea of human existence, which occurs in a state between Law and the Gospel is emphasized more than in other versions, as is the fact that Law leads man to Christ, which is a pre-requisite for salvation.[1] The Fall of Man and the Brazen Serpent appear on the left side. Instead of being pursued by Death and the Devil, the man lies in an open grave on the left side wearing a shroud and thus clearly juxtaposes Death on the left with the resurrection of Christ on the right side. The resurrected Christ stands in front of the burial cave, under his feet lie the vanquished Devil with Death. The sacrificial Lamb stands above the cave with the crucifix. Behind is a rocky outcrop and the Virgin stands on the summit encircle by heads of angels in a cloud with her hands clasped, and as such is characterized as just. The Christ child floats down to her from a gloriole with a T-shaped cross and in anticipation of the conception. The Virgin thus also represents a role model for the Faithful with respect to the humble and passive acceptance of God's will. Like the Old Testament equivalent on the side of Law, that is to say like Moses, who kneels to receive the tablets of the commandments from God's hands.
[1] see Harbison 1976, 101
[Görres 2006, 18-19, revised 2014]
- Attributions
-
Copy after Lucas Cranach the Elder
Workshop Lucas Cranach the Elder
Attributions
Copy after Lucas Cranach the Elder | [Exhib. Cat. Prague 2005, no. 12] |
Workshop Lucas Cranach the Elder | [Friedländer, Rosenberg 1979, no. 221C] |
- Production dates
- 1500 - 1599
1529
Production dates
1500 - 1599 | '16th century', the date '1529' is not genuine [Cat. Prague 2007, no. 9] |
1529 | [Friedländer, Rosenberg 1979, no. 221C] Exhib. Cat. Prague 2005, no. 12] |
1550 - 1599 | [Exhib. Cat. Prague 2016, 166, no. 22] |
- Dimensions
- Dimensions of support: 88.5 x 87 cm
Dimensions
Dimensions of support: 88.5 x 87 cm
[Cat. Prague 2007, no. 9]
- Signature / Dating
Artist's insignia bottom centre: winged serpent with elevated wings and date '1529'; both most likely not genuine
Signature / Dating
Artist's insignia bottom centre: winged serpent with elevated wings and date '1529'; both most likely not genuine
[Cat. Prague 2007, No. 9]
- Inscriptions and Labels
Left top: "GESECZ"
Right top: "GNAD", "EMANVEL", "ENGEL ERHALTEN / ZV DEM DIENST CHRISTI"
Left centre: "SVNDER", "FIGVR DER …Inscriptions and Labels
Inscriptions, Badges:
Left top: "GESECZ"
Right top: "GNAD", "EMANVEL", "ENGEL ERHALTEN / ZV DEM DIENST CHRISTI"
Left centre: "SVNDER", "FIGVR DER RECHTFERTIGVNG"
Right centre: "VNSER RECHTFERTIGVNG", "VNSER VNSCHVLD"
Left bottom: "TODT", "PROPHETEN", "MENSCH AN GNAD"
Right bottom: "ANZEIGER CHRISTI", "VNSER VBERWINDVNG
On bottom area:
'Roma. 6 Der Todt ist der sünden sold .1. Cor.15
Die Sünd ist des Todes spies Aber das gesetz Ist der
sünden krafft Roma .4. Das gesetz richtet zorn ahn.
Roma .1. Es wirdt offenbart Gottes zorn von himel vber
aller menschen gotlos leben und vnrecht Roma .3.
Sie seindt alezumal sünder vnd mangeln des preises das sie
sich Gottes nicht rümen mögen.
Roma .3. Durch das gesetz komet erkentnus der Sünden
Matthei .11. Das gesetz und Propheten gehen bis auff Jo
hannis zeitt.
Roma .7. Ich Elender Mensch wer wirdt mich erlösen
aus dem Leibe des Todes Roma .1. Der gerechte lebet gerns [?] ge-
lawbens Roma .3. Wir halten das ein Mensch ge-
recht werde durch den gelauben on werck des gesetzes.
Marci .1. Es Wirdt ein stercker komen nach mir S.
Joannes Baptist. Joan .2. Sihe das ist Gottes lamb
das der weltt sünde treget .1 Petri .1. In der heili-
gung des geistes zum gehorsam und besprengung des blu
tes Jesu Christi. Amen.
Esaie .26. Send das Lamb den herscher der Erdenn
Exodi .12. Es wirdt sein ein Lamb on mackel.
Der Todt ist verschlungen Im sieg. Todt wo ist dein
spiess. Helle wo ist dein sieg? Danck hab Gott
der vnns den sieg geben hatt durch Jesum Christum
Unsern herzen .1. Corin .i5.
Matthei .4. Die Engel haben sich genehet und die-
neten Ihm
Wenn seinen Engeln ist gepoten von dir auff das
sie dich behütten zu allen deinen wegen. Psal.90.'
[Görres, cda 2014]
Stamps, Seals, Labels:
On the reverse side: - two paper labels: 'E.C. 819', 'OP 89'
- seal with coat-of-arms of the Bruntálský family of Vrbno, late 18th century
[Cat. Prague 2007, no. 9]
- Owner
- Národní galerie v Praze (National Gallery in Prague)
- Repository
- Národní galerie v Praze (National Gallery in Prague)
- Location
- Prague
- CDA ID
- CZ_NGP_O9619
- FR (1978) Nr.
- FR221C
- Persistent Link
- https://lucascranach.org/en/CZ_NGP_O9619/