Dressed To The Teeth

fyeahblackhistory:

Saint Maurice Lucas Cranach the Elder and Workshop 

(German, Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar)

Date:ca. 1522–25

Medium:Oil on wood

Dimensions:54 x 15 1/2 in. (137.2 x 39.4 cm)

Classification:Paintings Credit Line:Bequest of Eva F. Kollsman,

2005 Accession Number:2006.469

Originally the left wing of an altarpiece, this panel represents Saint Maurice, the Roman legion commander who was martyred for refusing to slaughter the Christians of Gaul in the late third century A.D. Painted about 1522–25, this picture was probably among the many works commissioned by Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg (1490–1545). archbishop-elector of Mainz. The most powerful prelate in the Holy Roman Empire, Albrecht established Halle’s collegiate church as the showplace for his art patronage and the pre-eminent collection of reliquaries in northern Europe.

Recorded in the inventory of over 8,200 relics was a life-size reliquary statue of Saint Maurice magnificently attired in a suit of silver armor, trimmed with gold, precious gems, and pearls. Our painting reproduces this extraordinary object, making particular reference to the reigning emperor, Charles V, in such insignia as the collar of the Golden Fleece, the Saint Andrew’s Cross between sparkling flintstones on the pauldrons, the imperial eagle on the banner, and the glittering silver sword.

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(via sinidentidades)