Madonna and Child

Cranach’s painting of the heartfelt devotion between mother and child was intended to intensify the prayers of the believer(s) while contemplating the image. The high artistic standard, which is evident in the fineness of the execution and the richness of the colours — precious lapis lazuli was used for Mary’s blue cloak — speaks in favour of Lucas Cranach the Elder himself as the artist, who ran a large workshop with numerous employees.