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Christ Blessing the Children

ca. 1545–50
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 537
The story of Christ Blessing the Children is found in the Gospels. When children are brought to Christ for blessing, and his disciples raise objections, Christ counters with the words inscribed across the top of this panel: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:14).
The painting and its pendant, Christ and the Adulteress (seen to the right), share the theme of the free dispensation of divine grace, a central tenet of Lutheranism. Their small size suggests that they were meant for a private setting.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Christ Blessing the Children
  • Artist: Lucas Cranach the Younger and Workshop (German, Wittenberg 1515–1586 Wittenberg)
  • Date: ca. 1545–50
  • Medium: Oil on beech
  • Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. (16.5 x 22.2 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982
  • Object Number: 1982.60.36
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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Christ and the Adulteress, Lucas Cranach the Younger and Workshop German, Oil on beech
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Shield for the Field or Tournament (Targe), Wood, leather, linen, gesso, pigments, silver, German
Shield for the Field or Tournament (Targe)
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ca. 1450
The Judgment of Paris, Lucas Cranach the Elder German, Oil on beech
The Judgment of Paris
Lucas Cranach the Elder
ca. 1528
Hercules and Achelous, Master of the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian Austrian, Ivory, probably Austrian
Hercules and Achelous
Attributed to the Master of the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian
probably mid-17th century
Copy of John Frederic the Magnanimous, in Electoral Robes, Lucas Cranach the Younger and Workshop German, Woodcut; second state of two (Hollstein)
Copy of John Frederic the Magnanimous, in Electoral Robes
Lucas Cranach the Younger and Workshop

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