This style of dress proliferated in the Saxony region of what would be modern day Germany. Cranach the Elder was a court painter to Frederick the Wise of Saxony. During the time of the portraits under study (1520-1540) he had settled permanently at Wittenberg.
Identifying details:
– Wide front with laces showing below a decorated placket
– Skirt pleated into the bodice
– Head dress is sometimes braids on top of the head(<10%), or a goldhaube with or without a barret.
- Few portraits show slashed guarding. It's extremely rare.
- 90% of the guarding is gold or black.
- Sleeves can be elaborate.
Inspirational Pictures
Other Resources
Dress Diaries
Brown and Gold gown made for Rolf and Aurora’s Purgatorio Step up August 2006
Arianwen’s Saxony gown made for Arianwen to wear at October Crown 2010
