Cranach << KRAH nahk >>, Lucas, the Elder (1472-1553), was one of the leading German painters of the Renaissance. In his duties as court painter at Wittenberg, Cranach painted many of the great people of his time. He painted portraits of the Protestant leader Martin Luther and Luther’s family, but also filled many commissions for religious paintings for Roman Catholic patrons. In addition, Cranach became known for his humorous versions of Greek mythology. 
Like other German artists of his time, Cranach was active in printmaking. He invented the chiaroscuro woodcut, which uses two woodblocks to create a picture, one for lines and one for areas of color.
Cranach was born in Kronach, Bavaria. He took his name from the town, and his real name is unknown. His three sons were minor artists. He died on Oct. 16, 1553.
