Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery

Lucas Cranach the Younger

Date: after 1530
On Display at: Nelahozeves Castle
Material: Canvas
Technique: Oil Painting

Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery was an immensely popular theme in the work of the renowned German Renaissance painter Lucas Cranach the Younger (1515—1586). The subject is taken from a passage in the Gospel of St. John where Christ saves a woman accused of adultery from being stoned to death by stating "Let him who is without sin, cast the first stone." These words are inscribed in the upper part of the painting.

The figure of Christ, who stands in red robes at the center of the painting, personifies mercy and compassion, while the downcast eyes of the accused woman suggest repentance.