Artwork
Portrait Margrave Casimir of Brandenburg-Kulmbach
Portrait Margrave Casimir of Brandenburg-Kulmbach is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. It dates from 1522 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work likely served as a dynastic image, projecting authority and continuity for the margrave's line at a time of political consolidation in the region.
The portrait depicts Casimir, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach (1481–1527), a member of the Hohenzollern dynasty who ruled the principality of Brandenburg-Kulmbach from 1515 until his death. Cranach presents him as a sovereign in contemporary court attire, emphasizing status through fur-lined garments and a reserved demeanor.
The work likely served as a dynastic image, projecting authority and continuity for the margrave's line at a time of political consolidation in the region. Its restrained composition and Cranach's characteristic style align with portraits commissioned to assert noble identity and lineage.
History & Provenance
Lucas Cranach the Elder executed this portrait of Casimir, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, in 1522. The work depicts the margrave wearing fur clothing and a beard, consistent with portraiture of the period. Today the painting is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, where it remains on display.
Overview
Created in 1522 by Lucas Cranach the Elder, this oil portrait presents the Margrave Casimir of Brandenburg‑Kulmbach, later known as Brandenburg‑Bayreuth. The work focuses tightly on the sitter’s face, set against a uniform dark‑green backdrop that eliminates any distracting elements. The painting is part of the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
Technique & Style
Cranach employs a restrained palette, using deep greens for the background to concentrate attention on the detailed rendering of flesh, hair, and textiles. The fur collar is painted with fine, layered brushstrokes that suggest the softness of real pelage, and the hat’s braided pattern is achieved through precise linear modeling. The overall composition reflects the Northern Renaissance emphasis on realism and surface texture.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving.
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