Johann Lucas Cranach (abt. 1513 - 1537)

Born about 1513 in Wittenberg, Sachsen, Heiliges Römisches Reich [uncertain]

Ancestors

Died 9 Oct 1537 at about age 24 in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italia

Biography

Hans Cranach is Notable.

Hans Cranach (the baptismal certificate reads: Johann Lucas Cranach) was born around 1513 in Wittenberg, Saxony, which was part of the Holy Roman Empire. He was the eldest son of Lucas Cranach "the Elder", a renowned German painter. Hans became an apprentice and later a collaborator in his father's workshop. As the eldest son of Lucas Cranach the Elder, Hans was deeply involved in the artistic environment of his father's workshop. He likely started creating his own works around 1527, which were initially similar to his father's style.

Hans Cranach signed only two paintings that can be attributed to him with certainty, reflecting his own artistic style:

• Bildnis eines bärtigen Mannes (Portrait of a Bearded Man), dated 1534, currently held in the Fundación Colección Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid.
• Hercules am Hofe der Omphale (Hercules at the Court of Omphale), dated 1537, also in the Fundación Colección Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid.

In 1534, he acknowledged receipt of payment in Leipzig on behalf of his father, and during 1536/37, he was involved in work for the Torgau Castle. His travels to Italy in 1537 marked the end of his career and life, as he died in Bologna that same year on 9 October 1537.

Martin Luther reportedly delivered a consolatory speech to Hans's father upon Hans' death. A lengthy poem by Johann Stigel In immaturus obitum Johannis Lucas F. Cranachii. 1537 was written in tribute to him, portraying him as a talented and productive artist.

Sources

• Wikidata: Item Q696266, de:Wikipedia