Katharina von Bora, future wife of Martin Luther 1526

This portrait of Katharina von Bora, the future wife of Martin Luther, was painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1526. The work depicts Katharina as a young woman, dressed in a black gown with a white collar and a gold-trimmed bodice. The background is a simple green, which helps to focus the viewer's attention on the subject. Cranach's portrait of Katharina is a significant work of art, not only because of its subject but also for its style. The work is a fine example of Northern Renaissance portraiture, which often depicted sitters in a naturalistic way, with attention to detail and psychological nuance.