Book-Plate of Scheurl and Tucher c. 1510

Lucas Cranach the Elder created this bookplate using woodcut and etching techniques. It represents the coats of arms of the Scheurl and Tucher families. Made in Germany, this print reflects the social and cultural values of the Renaissance, where lineage and social standing were highly prized. The elaborate coats of arms, with their heraldic symbols and family crests, served as visual markers of identity and status. The combination of woodcut and etching shows the artist's skill in adapting printmaking techniques to create a refined image. Understanding the history of heraldry and the social structure of the German Renaissance helps us understand the significance of this bookplate as a symbol of social identity. Through studying such objects, historians uncover the complex interplay between art, social status, and cultural values in early modern Europe.