Lucas Cranach the Elder was a prominent German painter and printmaker born in 1472. He is best known for his portraits and religious works, which often featured vibrant colors and intricate details. Cranach was a key figure in the German Renaissance and worked closely with the Reformation movement, creating art that reflected the changing religious landscape of his time. Cranach established a successful workshop in Wittenberg, where he produced numerous paintings and woodcuts. His most famous works include portraits of Martin Luther and various depictions of biblical scenes. Cranach's style combined elements of Northern Renaissance art with a unique approach to composition and character portrayal.