The Princesses of Saxony

Lucas Cranach the Elder was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving. He was court painter to the Electors of Saxony for most of his career, and is known for his portraits of German royalty and redheads as well. In his painting The Three Princesses of Saxony (1535), he depicts the redheaded siblings Sibylla, Emilia and Sidonia.
At a first glance it appears as if he has portrayed only one girl from three different angles. But, if you look closely, the three sisters are very similar in facial features and clothing, yet so different from each other. He has managed to capture a different personality and age on each face and even a distinct fashion preference. Each of the sisters wears a different hairstyle in fashion during the Renaissance in Saxony, and each dress features expensive fabrics and complex embroideries. The gold jewelries are a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
Also captured are the stages of their childhood. The older sister on the left has a melancholic look on her face. It’s like her time’s up and she is slowly slipping away from the painting. In the spotlight now is the girl in the middle, Emilia. It’s her hour and she is shamelessly making eye contact with the viewer, in a sweet and desperate attempt to be picked. Sidonia, the youngest, is looking down, innocent and modest. Her time will come soon.