Lucas Cranach d. Ä.
Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg Kneeling before Christ on the Cross, 1520/25
Tannenholz (Abies alba), 158,4 x 112,4 cm
Erworben 1829 aus der Stiftskirche Aschaffenburg
Inv. Nr. 3819
Lamentation Beneath the Cross
The Lamentation beneath the Cross is one of the earliest paintings from Lucas Cranach the Elder. It was probably executed during travels through an as yet unidentified region after his Vienna period and shortly before the artist was named Court Painter by Frederick the Wise. In contrast to more traditional depictions, Cranach has placed the crosses at a slanted angle in the picture plane, somewhat like a didactic piece on perspective. In so doing, Mary becomes the focal point of the painting - exemplary for the faithful who are called upon to behold Christ's suffering.