CRANACH, Lucas the Elder
(b. 1472, Kronach, d. 1553, Weimar)

Reclining Water Nymph

1533
Oil and tempera on red beechwood, 37 x 24 cm
Hessisches Landesmuseum, Darmstadt

The Cranach workshop painted numerous variants of this subject. This small panel is one of only two surviving versions painted on panel in an upright format. This format demands a seated rather than a reclining figure. The erotic character of the painting is noteworthy.