Katharina von Bora 1525

Lucas Cranach the Elder's 1525 portrait of Katharina von Bora, the wife of Martin Luther, is a striking example of Northern Renaissance portraiture. The painting, which is a circular tondo, depicts Katharina with a calm and resolute expression, her hair neatly coiffed, wearing a simple yet elegant black dress with a white collar. Her strong gaze and the artist's detailed rendering of her features capture the essence of a woman of strong character and intellect. Cranach's skillful use of light and shadow, as well as his careful attention to detail, bring Katharina to life.