Comments on: Art Inspiration from Lucas Cranach the Elder

By: Päivi

Päivi — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 15:05:16 +0000

In reply to Lynne Braga (Louisa Ellingham). Thank you for commenting, Louisa! There are interesting documentaries on Lucas Cranach on Youtube, for example. I am so glad you also found the subject fascinating! Comments like this complement the posts so beautifully, and I wish everyone also reads them, not only the actual post. So, thanks again!

By: Lynne Braga (Louisa Ellingham)

Lynne Braga (Louisa Ellingham) — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:08:56 +0000

I have seen his work before, but never understood its importance or the period it came from. I did a little research and found that he was an extremely influential artist and was the richest man in Saxony in the 15th-16th centuries. His subjects were associated with that of the Protestant Reformation and he was a good friend of Martin Luther whose portrait he painted more than once. But he also did commissions for Catholics as well as more secular, even mythological, works meant for a more general audience. But what are we to make of what many have described as ‘contained anger’ in his subjects as well as: hostility, disdain, sarcasm, cruelty and hardness? Was he trying to show us what was really going on beneath external appearance–the duplicity of man, his inner struggle between the two powers of the soul? I am glad to be introduced to this artist whose work puzzles as much as it entices!

By: Päivi

Päivi — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:17:44 +0000

In reply to Cathy Murray. Thank you, Cathy! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the two posts!

By: Päivi

Päivi — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:16:01 +0000

In reply to Valerie Lima. Thanks so much, Valerie! I experimented with a new structure in writing and pics, and you definitely got it, thanks!!

By: Cathy Murray

Cathy Murray — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 10:44:15 +0000

When I followed your link to your blog post, I read “Add splashes and other unexpected elements.” This relates to what I see as a superimposed, stylised pomegranate ornamenting Dido’s portrait above. The symbolism is there, but unexpected: abundance, fertility, the rewards of love. It’s very simplistic and without integration because Dido (or the viewer?) felt the various excesses had been negated by the loss of Aeneas. How appropriately you’ve related your two posts to each other, even by translating the single line, “And so do we seek transitory and dangerous pleasures”. There’s so much to be learned from you, Päivi.

By: Valerie Lima

Valerie Lima — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 18:49:13 +0000

I just love the way you discuss and combine history, your art and your feelings and approach, even touching on your new pencil sharpener. It all flows from mind to heart and left brain to right brain. Speaks to me over and over.

By: Päivi

Päivi — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:39:07 +0000

In reply to Pam McClung. Thank you, Pam!

By: Pam McClung

Pam McClung — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:35:22 +0000

Very interesting and lovely images! I’ve taken art history courses (back in my college days) and I don’t believe we ever touched on Cranach (or it’s left my brain). The one of the ill-matched lovers was pretty funny – they obviously weren’t into each other! I always love your posts!