Charity 1534

Lucas Cranach the Elder created this panel painting of Charity in the early 16th century. Cranach was working in a Germany undergoing immense social change. The Protestant Reformation was challenging the authority of the Catholic Church, and art was one of the key battlegrounds. This image draws from the visual language of Catholic art, where Charity was one of the three theological virtues. However, Cranach was a close friend of Martin Luther, and his art often reflects Protestant ideas. Charity is presented as a mother surrounded by her children, emphasizing the importance of family and maternal care. The naturalistic setting further roots the virtue in the everyday world. By depicting Charity without the usual allegorical trappings of crowns, and flaming hearts, Cranach seems to be making the virtue more accessible, more human, and perhaps subtly critiquing the elaborate symbolism of Catholic art. The history of religious reform, along with studies of patronage and the art market, offer invaluable resources for understanding the nuances of this work.