Martin Luther as an Augustinian Monk
Original title: Martin Luther as an Augustinian Monk
kurzbeschreibung
Lucas Cranach the Elder made this portrait of Martin Luther as an Augustinian monk in 1520. The engraving measures 15.8 × 10.7 cm and presents the reformer as a frontal bust in a hood. Beneath the likeness are a Latin poem and the date.
Description
Luther is shown in the habit of the Augustinians, his head facing forward and his gaze turned slightly to the left. The hood of the monastic dress rests over his head. Nothing fills the background, no detail distracts, so the face carries the image. Under the portrait appear a Latin poem and the year 'M.D.XX'.
Context
By 1520 Luther was already in conflict with the Roman Church. Cranach still shows him in monastic dress, before Luther set out his position at the Diet of Worms in 1521. A friend and follower of Luther, Cranach used printed sheets to spread his likeness, helping to make the reformer widely known.
Impact
The frontal pose and calm gaze give the portrait gravity and dignity. With the background left plain, the features and the clothing move to the fore. The result feels at once personal and official.
Technique
Engraved into a copper plate and printed, the image works through fine lines. Hatching and linear networks build detailed tonal values in the face and the garment, as is characteristic of Renaissance printmaking.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)