Sibylle of Cleves

c. 1547

Lucas Cranach

(German, 1515–1586)

Culture

Germany

Medium

woodcut with hand-coloring

Measurements

Image: 32.6 x 21.4 cm (12 13/16 x 8 7/16 in.)

Credit Line

Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Whitehill Art Purchase Endowment Fund 2026.20

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The subject is shown in the height of German court fashion around 1550, with her purple, dyed-velvet, pleated gown, gold brocade, slashed and banded sleeves, open bodice revealing a pleated and ruffled collared chemise, ample jewelry, and plumed Wulsthaube, or cap.

Description

This hand-colored woodcut depicts Sibylle of Cleves, wife of Johann Friedrich of Saxony, shortly after the Schmalkaldic War (1546–47), when Protestant princes in Germanic lands fought against the Catholic emperor Charles V. After her husband’s defeat, Sibylle famously pleaded before the emperor on bended knee, helping secure commutation of his death sentence. Produced by Lucas Cranach the Younger around 1547, the print belongs to a series portraying key figures in the conflict and may have functioned as Protestant propaganda for distribution to allied courts. Sybille of Cleves was the only woman portrayed in the series.