Cranach produced his most important works as court artist to the Electors of Saxony in Wittenburg. He established a flourishing workshop which produced portraits, altarpieces, allegorical and mythological compositions and designs for costumes, emblems and weapons. He was born and trained in Kronach near Coburg and spent some time in Vienna around 1500. He was initially influenced by Dürer, but soon established his own inventive and colourful style. Martin Luther was a close friend and godfather to Cranach's daughter.
A print made from an image carved into a block of wood cut along the grain. Blank areas are cut away leaving an image in relief from which a print is made.