Kardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg vor dem Gekreuzigten

Cranach shows Albrecht von Brandenburg (1490–1545) at prayer. He is gazing into the distance; in his mind’s eye Albrecht sees an image of Christ on the Cross as shown to the viewer. In this painting Cranach not only reveals his empathy as a Christian but also his skill as a colourist. The large area of red created by the robe and cushion forms a sharp contrast to the surrounding area, in the same way that Christ’s scourged body does to the dark sky. See also Grünewald’s painting of St Erasmus and St Maurice.