The Holy Kinship c. 16th century

Curator: This is "The Holy Kinship" by Lucas Cranach the Elder. It's a captivating piece. My first impression is how the artist creates the sense of family, very down to earth. Editor: Indeed. The composition, though crowded, really conveys a sense of intimacy. Note how Cranach uses line work to define forms and space. Curator: Exactly. "Holy Kinship" became a popular theme during the Reformation era, particularly in Lutheran circles. Editor: The linear quality and detail, though, seem at odds with the supposed Reformation's iconoclasm, don't you think? Curator: Well, religious art didn't just disappear. Cranach was a court painter, associated with Martin Luther. The family structure, venerated here, emphasized the reformers' ideas about marriage and domestic life. Editor: So, it's not just a family portrait. It's about portraying the family unit as a vital component of society, an affirmation of Protestant values. Curator: That's right. It's a very clever visual tool for communicating new religious ideas to the people. Editor: Interesting how the formal elements serve that social function. I'll certainly look at Cranach's art with new eyes now. Curator: Me too! It is good to remember art in its own era.