The Second Tournament with the Tapestry of Samson and the Lion
Artist: Lucas Cranach the Elder (German, 1472-1553)
Date: 1509
Dimensions:
Page: 11 7/16 × 16 1/2 in. (29.1 × 41.9 cm)
Frame: 23 × 29 in. (58.4 × 73.7 cm)
Medium: Woodcut
Place of Origin: Germany
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Frederick B. and Kate L. Shoemaker Fund
Object number: 1939.487
Label Text:Cranach began making woodcuts in 1502. He was a close friend of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546) and designed the woodcuts for the first edition of Luther’s German bible of 1552. This woodcut, dated 1509, represents an actual tournament that had taken place a year before in honor of Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony. The Elector’s coat of arms is shown on the tapestry hanging on the wall. In 1508Cranach was granted the right to display the winged serpent as his coat of arms and it can be seen with his initials and date on the right. In comparison with the later Cranach in this exhibition, one can see the overwhelming detail in his early work.
This is one of three woodcuts depicting the celebration of the Feasts of All Saints organized by the Duke of Saxony Frederick the Wise, which took place on the 15th and 16th of November, 1508 in Wittenberg, Germany. Jousting tournaments were extremely popular in Germany in the 16th century. They offered both combat practice and demonstrations of military skill and were often incorporated into court festivities. The Tournaments belonged to those aristocratic pleasures that at the same time created a good courtly image. Notice how the riders and horses are dressed in elaborate ceremonial armor and adorned with exotic plumage.
This is one of three woodcuts depicting the celebration of the Feasts of All Saints organized by the Duke of Saxony Frederick the Wise, which took place on the 15th and 16th of November, 1508 in Wittenberg, Germany. Jousting tournaments were extremely popular in Germany in the 16th century. They offered both combat practice and demonstrations of military skill and were often incorporated into court festivities. The Tournaments belonged to those aristocratic pleasures that at the same time created a good courtly image. Notice how the riders and horses are dressed in elaborate ceremonial armor and adorned with exotic plumage.
Not on view
In Collection(s)