Portrait of Johannes Feige

The coat of arms on the left resembles that of Johann Feige, chancellor of Hesse (a state in central Germany) between about 1514 and 1542, while the shield on the right may represent those of this mother. Feige moved in the same Protestant circles that employed Cranach, and is likely to have known the artist.Johann was possibly in his early fifties when Cranach painted this picture, and the artist has masterfully portrayed the sitter’s wisps of thinning hair and pallid, jowly face. Although he is simply dressed, the diamond pattern on Johann’s coat suggests his clothing is of good quality and expensive. The money bag worn on his belt also hints at his wealth.