Lucas Cranach the Elder – The Nymph of the Spring National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents a reclining female figure within a landscape setting. She occupies the foreground, positioned horizontally across the canvas and viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The womans body is pale against the verdant ground, her pose relaxed yet alert; one arm rests upon a crimson cloth draped over her midsection, while her gaze is directed towards the viewer with an expression that suggests both serenity and awareness. A string of pearls adorns her neck, adding to the sense of idealized beauty.
Behind the figure, a rocky outcrop forms a significant backdrop, partially obscuring a distant cityscape. The architecture visible in this urban panorama hints at a Northern European locale, possibly a depiction of Wittenberg, the artist’s home city. This juxtaposition of natural and man-made elements creates a visual tension between the idyllic pastoral scene and the realities of human civilization.
To the right of the reclining woman, a tree trunk stands prominently, bearing a bow and arrow leaning against it. The presence of these hunting implements introduces an element of potential threat or latent power into what initially appears to be a tranquil scene. A small bird lies near her feet, seemingly lifeless, further contributing to this ambiguous atmosphere.
An inscription is visible in the upper left corner, written in Latin: FONTIS NIMPHA SACRI SUM / NUMA NE RUPTIS QVISCO. This translates roughly as “I am a nymph of a sacred spring/Let no one break me.” The text provides crucial context for understanding the image’s meaning. It suggests that the woman is not merely a beautiful figure, but a guardian spirit associated with a specific place and possessing a degree of authority or sanctity.
The paintings subtexts revolve around themes of nature versus culture, innocence versus potential danger, and the sacredness of natural spaces. The idealized female form embodies the beauty and vitality of the spring itself, while the distant city represents the encroachment of human society upon this pristine environment. The bow and arrow symbolize a latent power that could be unleashed if the nymph’s domain is violated. Ultimately, the work invites contemplation on humanitys relationship with nature and the consequences of disrupting its delicate balance.