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William Shakespeare was a British poet and playwright and writer.
William's father, John Shakespeare, was a merchant and official in Stratford. There are reports that he was a sailor for a time before joining a theater company in London. Beginning in the 1590s, Shakespeare began writing plays, and in 1593 he published a poem, Venus and Adonis, which became popular. He dedicated it to the Duke of Southampton, who was a philanthropist and patron of talent, and soon his business was booming.
From 1592 to 1600 Shakespeare wrote his dramas and romantic comedies "Richard III", "The Taming of the Shrew", "Romeo and Juliet", "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Merchant of Venice", as well as the comedies "Much Ado About Nothing", "Twelfth Night" and the tragedy "Julius Caesar". The playwright's business was so successful that he even bought a large house in Stratford. In 1599, Shakespeare became one of the owners, playwright and actor of the new theater "Globe". In 1603 King James took Shakespeare's troupe under his direct patronage. In the mature period, the great playwright turned to tragedies, there were "Hamlet", "Othello", "King Lear", "Macbeth" and others.
Although in the 19th century researchers had some doubts about the authorship of many of these works, William Shakespeare is considered the greatest English playwright, one of the best playwrights in the world. His plays have been translated into all major languages and to this day form the basis of the world theatrical repertoire, most of them have been screened many times. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Shakespeare remains the world's best-selling playwright, and his plays and poems have sold more than 4 billion copies in the nearly 400 years since his death.
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a pivotal figure in German Renaissance art. As a leading painter of Saxony, his influence spanned across the 16th century, making significant contributions through his paintings, woodcuts, and engravings. His artistic journey began under the tutelage of his father, Hans Maler, and saw him becoming court painter to the Elector of Saxony, where he produced a vast array of works including altarpieces, court portraits, and notably, portraits of Protestant Reformers.
Cranach's artistry was not confined to any single genre. He was renowned for his portraits of the aristocracy, deeply symbolic religious paintings, and engaging mythological scenes. His ability to capture the essence of the Protestant Reformation, notably through his portraits of Martin Luther, showcases his close connection to the movement and his role as a key figure in conveying its ideals through art.
A significant part of Cranach's legacy is his workshop in Wittenberg, which was a hub of artistic production. This workshop produced numerous works that bore his distinctive winged serpent signature, a mark of quality and innovation in the art of the period. Cranach's workshop was known for its efficient operation, enabling the production of a large volume of works that catered to the high demand of his time.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Lucas Cranach the Elder's work represents an intriguing intersection of art, culture, and history. His contributions to Renaissance art and his unique portrayal of religious and mythological themes continue to captivate audiences, making his work highly sought after in the world of art collection.
To explore more about Lucas Cranach the Elder's fascinating contributions to art and to stay updated on new discoveries or auction events related to his works, consider signing up for specialized updates. This subscription is designed for enthusiasts keen on delving deeper into the rich tapestry of Renaissance art and history, ensuring they remain well-informed of relevant sales and scholarly insights.
Günther Förg was a German painter, graphic designer, sculptor and photographer. His abstract style was influenced by American abstract painting.
