Lucas CranachGerman, 1472–1553Saint Jerome in Penitence
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Saint Jerome in Penitence” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
Lucas Cranach the Elder was the leading artist of Wittenberg, the intellectual and spiritual hotbed of Germany. Although Cranach was an ardent Catholic when he made this print, he would become one of Martin Luther's closest friends and most effective propagandists (Wittenberg is where Luther posted his theses decrying church practices). One wonders whether Cranach's interest in Saint Jerome presages his close association with Luther, the most important Bible translator of his own time. This woodcut fairly pulsates, with nature cast as a spiritual force alive in all its elements.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- P.68.138
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
In the life of Lucas Cranach
The whole life1505–1547
Post: court painter
1508
Diplomatic Mission to Mechelen
He was sent on a diplomatic mission to Mechelen (Netherlands), where he painted portraits of Emperor Maximilian I and the future Emperor Charles V.
6 January 1508
Granted Nobility and a Coat of Arms
Cranach was granted nobility and a personal coat of arms — a winged serpent with a ruby ring in its mouth, which became the signature of his works and workshop.
