The Law and the Gospel

The Law and the Gospel

Title

The Law and the Gospel

[Cat. Prague 2007, No. 9]

Painting on limewood

Medium

Painting on limewood

[Klein Report, 08.04.2013]
[Cat. Prague 2007, no. 9]

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]
[Cat. Prague 2007, no. 9]
[Exhib. Cat. Prague 2016, 166, no. 22]

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/

Provenance

  • late 18th century probably the property of the Bruntálský family of Vrbno
  • in 1800 lent to the National Gallery Prague by Countess Marie Anna Thun, born Kolowrat-Liebsteinský

[Cat. Prague 2007, no. 9]

Exhibitions

Prague 2005, no. 12
Prague 2016, no. 22

Literature

Reference on page Catalogue Number Figure / Plate
Exhib. Cat. Prague 2016 42, 160-167 22 Fig. p. 42
EditorOlga Kotková
TitleCranach. Ze všech stran. From all sides.
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication2016
Pages16-180
Show Literature
Fleck 2010
AuthorMiriam Fleck
TitleEin tröstlich gemelde. Die Glaubensallegorie "Gesetz und Gnade" in Europa zwischen Spätmittelalter und Früher Neuzeit
Place of PublicationKorb
Year of Publication2010
Show Literature
Cat. Prague 2007 30-31 9
AuthorOlga Kotková
TitleNational Gallery in Prague. German and Austrian Painting of the 14th - 16th Centuries. Illustrated Summary Catalogue II/1
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication2007
Show Literature
Exhib. Cat. Basel 2006 95, note 82
EditorChristian Müller, Stephan Kemperdick
TitleHans Holbein d. J.: die Jahre in Basel 1515-1532 [Basel, Kunstmuseum]
Place of PublicationBasel
Year of Publication2006
Show Literature
Görres 2006 15-19
AuthorDaniel Görres
TitleDer Cranach-Altar der Stadtkirche St. Peter und Paul in Weimar und die Mediation des Glaubens [Thesis]
Place of PublicationBonn
Year of Publication2006
Show Literature
Reinitzer 2006 42-44
AuthorHeimo Reinitzer
TitleGesetz und Evangelium. Über ein reformatorisches Bildthema, seine Tradition, Funktion und Wirkungsgeschichte
Volume1-2
Place of PublicationHamburg
Year of Publication2006
Show Literature
Chamonikola 2005 B 28 (English version 12)
AuthorKaliopi Chamonikola
TitleLucas Cranach a ceské zeme/ Lucas Cranach and the Czech Lands
Publicationin Kaliopi Chamonikola, ed., Pod znamením okrídleného hada. Lucas Cranach a ceské zeme, Under the winged Serpent, Lucas Cranach and the Czech Lands, Exhib. Prague 2005
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication2005
Pages13-33 (6-15)
Show Literature
Exhib. Cat. Prague 2005 78-79 (English version 32, 33) 12 Pl. p. 79, Fig. p. 78 (detail)
EditorObrazárna Pražského hradu, Kaliopi Chamonikola
TitlePod znamením okrídleného hada. Lucas Cranach a ceské zeme. Under the winged Serpent. Lucas Cranach and the Czech Land
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication2005
Show Literature
Kotkova 2005 B 43, 44 (English version 20)
AuthorOlga Kotková
TitleLucas Cranach v Národní galerii v Praze- úvod k technologii obrazu/ Lucas Cranach at the National Gallery in Prague. Introduction to the painting technology
Publicationin Kaliopi Chamonikola, ed., Pod znamením okrídleného hada. Lucas Cranach a ceské zeme, Under the winged Serpent, Lucas Cranach and the Czech Lands, Exhib. Prague 2005
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication2005
Pages42-44 (19-20)
Show Literature
Weniger 2004 116-124
AuthorMatthias Weniger
Title"Durch und durch lutherisch"? Neues zum Ursprung der Bilder von Gesetz und Gnade
JournalMünchner Jahrbuch der bildenden Kunst
Issue3.F.55 (2004)
Year of Publication2004
Pages115-134
Show Literature
Badstübner 1994 34
AuthorErnst Badstübner
TitleGericht und Gnade in der Ikonographie protestantischer Bilder
Publicationin Günter Schuchardt, ed., Gesetz und Gnade. Cranach, Luther und die Bilder
Place of PublicationEisenach, Torgau
Year of Publication1994
Pages33-40
Show Literature
Krueger 1994 310, note 5
AuthorIngeborg Krueger
Title"Gesetz und Gnade". Ein reformatorisches Bildthema auf Siegburger Steinzeug
Publicationin Festschrift für Brigitte Klesse
Place of PublicationBerlin
Year of Publication1994
Pages303-312
Show Literature
Hrubý, Royt 1992 127-131
AuthorJan Royt, Viktor Hruby
TitleNástenna malba s námetem Zákon a Milost na zámku v Pardubicích
JournalUmeni
IssueXXXX
Year of Publication1992
Pages124-137
Show Literature
Friedländer, Rosenberg 1979 114 221C
AuthorMax J. Friedländer, Jakob Rosenberg
EditorG. Schwartz
TitleDie Gemälde von Lucas Cranach
Place of PublicationBasel, Boston, Stuttgart
Year of Publication1979
Show Literature
Exhib. Cat. Basel 1974/1976 506-507
AuthorDieter Koepplin, Tilman Falk
TitleLukas Cranach. Gemälde, Zeichnungen und Druckgraphik
Volume1, 2
Place of PublicationBasel, Stuttgart
Year of Publication1974
Link http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:16-diglit-104522
Show Literature
Ehresmann 1966/1967 36-43
AuthorDonald Louis Ehresmann
TitleThe brazen serpent: a reformation motif in the works of Lucas Cranach the Elder and his work-shop
JournalMarsyas
Issue13
Year of Publication1966
Pages32-47
Show Literature
Cat. Prague 1962 XVII
AuthorJaroslav Pešina
TitleAlt-deutsche Meister: Von Hans von Tübingen bis Dürer und Cranach
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication1962
Show Literature
Friedländer, Rosenberg 1932 64 183C
AuthorMax J. Friedländer, Jakob Rosenberg
TitleDie Gemälde von Lucas Cranach
Place of PublicationBerlin
Year of Publication1932
Link http://digi.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/diglit/friedlaender1932
Show Literature
Cat. Prague 1912 36 112
AuthorP. Bergner
TitleKatalog obrazárny v dome umelcu Rudolfinum v Praze
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication1912
Show Literature
Cat. Prague 1889 44 158
AuthorV. Barvitius
TitleKatalog obrazárny v dome umelcu Rudolfinum v Praze
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication1889
Show Literature
Cat. Prague 1856 17 29
Authorn. a.
TitleVerzeichniss der Kunstwerke in der Gemählde-Galerie der Privatgesellschaft patriotischer Kunstfreunde zu Prag, sowie der damit vereinigten Hoser'schen Gemälde-Sammlung
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication1856
Show Literature
Schuchardt 1851 C 107-109 386
AuthorChristian Schuchardt
TitleLucas Cranach des Aeltern Leben und Werke. Zweiter Theil
Place of PublicationLeipzig
Year of Publication1851
Link http://digi.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/diglit/schuchardt1851bd2
Show Literature
Cat. Prague 1844 15 35
Authorn. a.
TitleVerzeichnis der Kunstwerke in der Gemählde-Galerie der Privatgesellschaft patriotischer Kunstfreunde zu Prag
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication1844
Show Literature
Cat. Prague 1827 45 819
Authorn. a.
TitleVerzeichniss der Kunstwerke, welche sich in der Gemählde-Gallerie der Privatgesellschaft patriotischer Kunstfreunde zu Prag befinden
Place of PublicationPrague
Year of Publication1827
Show Literature
  • The Law and the Gospel, 1500 - 1599

Images

Compare images
  • overall
  • overall
  • reverse
  • irr
  • detail

Documents

Technical studies

Date06. 2014

Support

- four boards in vertical orientation

- two wooden strips applied on the backside

  • examined by Gunnar Heydenreich

06. 2014Technical examination / Scientific analysis

  • Infrared reflectography
  • irr

DESCRIPTION

Tools/Material:

-dry drawing material, dark chalk, stylus; a fine tipped brush may also have been used

Type/Ductus:

- square grid was used to carefully transfer the design from a template; detailed underdrawing with a stylus, during the second stage a fine tipped brush may have been used; occasional reinforced lines

Function:

- relatively binding for the final painted version; lines define the main contours and describe essential details and the facial features (the hands and the faces are rendered with particular attention to detail), no representation of volume with hatching-strokes

Deviations:

- minor corrections were made during the painting process

INTERPRETATION

Attribution:

- not possible

- the square grid proves that a pre-existing design was copied. Such a grid has not to date been found on any works by Cranach the Elder

[Sandner, Smith-Contini, Heydenreich, cda 2016]

  • photographed by Gunnar Heydenreich
  • photographed by Ingo Sandner

08.04.2013Naturwissenschaftliche Materialanalyse

  • Identification of wood species / Dendrochronology

Support

Identification of wood species: limewood

[Klein Report, 08.04.2013]

  • examined by Peter Klein

1993Technical examination / Scientific analysis

  • Micro-sampling / cross-sections

Paint Layers and Gilding

- blue areas contain azurite and lead-white

[Exhib. Cat. Prague 2005, 28, No. 9]

  • examined by J. Grohmanová

Conservation History

Date2005

  • The signature and the date (as well as the surrounding layer) are penetrated by cracels; this provides evidence that the signature and the painting are of the same age

  • The placement of the signature on the tree stump, the rendering of the the work and date are equal as in O 10732 [CDA.CZ_NGP_O10732]; although a rather stiff curve of the serpent creates a puzzled impression. It seems that it consciously imitates the original.

[Cat. Prague 2007, No. 9]

  • examined by Jana Raslová

Versions

Law and Grace
  • Law and Grace, 1529
  • CZ_NGP_O10732
  • Painting
  • Národní galerie v Praze (National Gallery in Prague)

Citing from the Cranach Digital Archive

Entry with author
<author's name>, 'The Law and the Gospel', <title of document, data entry or image>. [<Date of document or image>], in: Cranach Digital Archive, https://lucascranach.org/en/CZ_NGP_O9619/ (Accessed {{dateAccessed}})
Entry with no author
'The Law and the Gospel', <title of document, data entry or image>. [<Date of document, entry or image>], in: Cranach Digital Archive, https://lucascranach.org/en/CZ_NGP_O9619/ (Accessed {{dateAccessed}})

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