Prints

Lucas Cranach the Elder, alongside his son and other members of his extensive studio, produced some of the finest contributions to the Northern Renaissance and the bright colour and bold forms seen in much of their work is ideal as an art print reproduction.

Their paintings are particularly detailed, with even the background elements being considered in great detail. Some of the religious themes will also attract a different type of art follower, whilst others will appreciate the delicate combination of portraiture and landscape work which can be seen in the likes of Adam and Eve (1526). The artist made use of both religious and also mythological themes as inspiration during his career, whilst some of his simpler portraits would focus on capturing an individual as part of a more straight forward commission. Cranach worked as a court painter and most of the portraits were from that era but he was much more ambitious than to settle on this genre alone. It provided him financial security but he also wanted to push his abilities into other avenues of creative expression and also to develop his own skills as far as he could.

Some followers of his career might find it hard to decide as to what size of print to buy. This will depend on where you are to hang the finished piece as well as the detail involved in the original artwork - more detailed pieces would be better suited to larger dimensions so that more of the original can be distinguished. Smaller prints are better suited to other artistic styles, such as modern abstract painters such as Matisse or Picasso, rather than members of the Northern Renaissance. Many of Cranach's own works are particularly detailed, with stylish flourishes on a model's jewellery for example, or perhaps the touches of the brush to bring out the elements within a forest such as individual plants and flowers. You will find examples of these and other interesting items within our paintings section which draws together all of the highlights from his extensive career.

Those who have selected their favourite piece, as well as the size that best suits their home, with then a number of other options to consider. Framing a print is a great way of adding a professional finish whilst also protecting the print and ensuring it lasts as long as possible. Different styles and materials are available and much will depend on the style of your home, but most art is probably best served in a domestic setting with something simple, such as a black wooden frame with minimal detail. Cranach's own work is detailed enough to not need any additional flourishes from any frame, just something to present it smartly is enough. The same could also be said for prints of Albrecht Durer, who was a famous related artist and also a member of the umbrella label of the Northern Renaissance. Looking beyond this region, you might also consider some Michelangelo prints, with this artist being one of the stars of the Italian Renaissance, giving us some extraordinary pieces such as his series of frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, including The Creation of Adam.

You might wonder about just how popular Cranach the Elder is as compared to other artists. Well, he is a notable name within the Northern Renaissance but when is comes to art print reproductions there is a greater interest in more modern artistic styles, such as with the Impressionists, the Fauvists or Abstract work. Renaissance art is more for older crowds or for those who study the extraordinary technical qualities of this influential period. Perhaps it is like comparing the sales of music downloads, where classical music becomes somewhat of a niche. Thankfully, though, there seems no end for the overall interest in this movement, with regular exhibitions at high profile institutions still continuing and proving popular. You will find this to be the case throughout Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the UK, as well as across in the United States too, where European history is also particularly relevant and celebrated.