Lucas Cranach the Elder: Hunting near Hartenfels Castle (1540)

(Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, USA)

A painting by the German artist Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553). This piece was commissioned by John Frederick I 'the Magnanimous' (1503-1554), elector of Saxony, who is standing in the lower center, dressed in green hunting attire and spanning a crossbow. His wife Sibylle of Cleves (1512-1554) is standing at the right, poised to take the first ceremonial shot. This hunting scene with dogs, courtiers and stags is taking place near the Hartenfels Castle at Torgau, property of the electors of Saxony, which is visible in the background. Painting from 1540.