Cranach – Identity and the Individual

Through his drawn, printed and painted figures, Cranach presents religious, mythological and courtly narratives. Despite their thematic diversity, they reflect a characteristic conception of the human form that became a hallmark of the artist and his workshop. In particular, the production of portraits of women on demand raises questions today about individuality and gender roles. The depictions of key figures of the Reformation and decision-makers in Saxony – foremost among them Martin Luther and the Saxon Electors – have shaped our image of that era to this day. The visual legacy of the Reformation remains strongly linked to the physiognomies of those men. Hardly any other artist has been so politically co-opted as Cranach. His works therefore serve a particular societal view of humanity. Lucas Cranach ran a large workshop in Wittenberg and employed numerous staff, including his sons, one of whom, Lucas Cranach the Younger, later took over the workshop. Thus, the name Cranach, independently of any single individual, shaped Saxon art production in the 16th century. Hardly any other artist can claim such an influence. The question of an artist's individual style has shaped the discourse on Cranach since the inception of art history. The exhibition explores the significance of authenticity and workshop practice in the 16th century. In Cranach's work, the human condition within a social context takes centre stage. As part of an extremely prolific programme of publications in the universities and publishing centres of Wittenberg, Halle and Leipzig, Cranach's pictorial creations also served to disseminate political and theological content. Against the backdrop of the religious revolution, images became particularly politicised and instrumentalised. In this context, the exhibition showcases works created under the influence of the state or the church. Such depictions, particularly in printmaking, sometimes portray themes that, from today's perspective, warrant critical scrutiny. From the perspective of media power and image politics, this also includes the dissemination of disinformation and stereotypes. The Kupferstichkabinett in Berlin houses one of the largest collections of works by Lucas Cranach, his sons and the workshop. As part of an international research project (2023–27), Cranach's drawings, prints and books have been intensively studied in recent years. A parallel exhibition is taking place at the Kupferstich-Kabinett of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (Dresden State Art Collections), conceived in close consultation and collaboration between the two museums. The special exhibition in Berlin showcases masterpieces from the museum's own collection, supplemented by international loans.