The Sermon of St. John the Baptist

This signature, consisting of a winged serpent or dragon, was adopted by German painter Lucas Cranach in 1508, drawing inspiration it from the coat of arms granted to him by Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, for whom he worked in Wittenberg. The reptile’s wings were always depicted as spread until 1537, the year in which Cranach’s eldest son Hans died.

In order to produce this extensive number of paintings, Cranach was helped by his son and namesake, Lucas, born in 1515, as well as several other members of the workshop, whose names are known. If the master’s advanced age is also taken into account, it is obvious that his participation, especially after the death of Hans, was limited.

A unique feature is the pulpit improvised from a felled tree trunk, from which the Baptist is preaching, with a crossed branch to prevent him falling forwards. The ten listeners standing in front are, along with the three horsemen in the background, are arranged in depth, forming a kind of funnel. The dense vegetation of the trees and ground fills the space, with their uniform green colour contrasting with the figures of the men and women who listen attentively and engrossed in thought.

This piece does not contain many features that coincide with other works by Cranach. The horsemen’s armour should be pointed out, as well as their mounts and the leaves of the trees. Also of note is the clothing worn by those who are listening on foot, although there is some rigidity in the vertical folds. The ornamental nature determined by the composition and arrangement of the colours, as well as the fragility of the figures, not exempt from some weakness in the drawing, are characteristic of the works of the master at the head of his large workshop.