Presumed Portrait of Magdalena Luther

Presumed Portrait of Magdalena Luther, painted around 1520 and held at the Louvre, is traditionally identified as Luther’s daughter, though the early date raises questions about this identification since Magdalena was not born until 1529. The portrait depicts a young girl with the direct gaze and composed expression characteristic of Cranach’s child portraits. If the identification is correct, the date must be later than traditionally assigned. The painting’s presence in the Louvre reflects the French interest in German Reformation art that developed particularly during the nineteenth century, when art historical scholarship began to systematically catalog Cranach’s extensive workshop output.

The portrait captures the child's features with the sharp clarity and smooth finish characteristic of Cranach's portrait style. The intimate scale and direct characterization reflect the close relationship between artist and subject.