Cranach's Phyllis

Although the Aristotle & Phyllis story was very popular in 14th and 15th century and many texts and decorative arts pieces displayed and commented the narrative, Cranach was the first artist to turn the story into the subject of a painting. He used an older composition of Hans Burgkmair, but he has been very innovative in overall impression of the scene. His painting is not about cunning Woman and deceived man, simple morality of older decorative pictures is missing in his work.

There is nothing comical or ridicules in Cranach's Phyllis. She is gelid, haughty and disparaging Dominatrix, proudly exhibiting Her refined clothing, an opulent gold chain, an elaborate hairdo, an immense hat... in contrast with odd clothing of the poor philosopher, highly unusual for such remarkable figure. Aristotle's orange shirt just underlines his role of a fool in the scene. Phyllis pulls Aristotle's beard to indicate that he is completely in Her sway, turns Her lovely head in our direction and glances at us with a provocative grin. She owns the man, She rules the scene, the whole world belongs to Her.

We know that Cranach was commissioned to paint a large canvas depicting Phyllis and Aristotle in 1524, but this small exquisite panel from 1530 appears to be his only surviving painting of the subject. It is a masterpiece.