The Ill-Matched Couples was a favorite subject in the Cranach workshop. Over 40 different versions has been made by Cranach and his pupils. The theme has been derived from various literary sources, but it became popular in 16th century thanks to then a bestseller from Erasmus of Rotterdam - the 'In Paise of Fooly' essay printed in 1511.
Cranach's versions are differentiated by emphasizing different aspects of the the theme. The Women are always elegant and Their clothing suggest high social status and economical independence. The elderly man usually repays a young Women's attention by giving Her valuable jewlery or letting Her take the only thing She is interested in - his money. The men are always awkward, they are in love and take everything very seriously. Women are amused, sometimes already a little disgusted, but They remain calm and playful. They own the man, They already own everything he has to offer.
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