Martin Luther (1483–1546)
Original title: Martin Luther (1483–1546)
kurzbeschreibung
Lucas Cranach the Elder probably painted this portrait of Martin Luther in 1532. Oil on wood, 33.3 by 23.2 cm. The reformer appears as a bust-length figure against a plain, single-coloured ground.
Description
A man in a black cap and dark robe, immediately recognisable as Luther, fills the panel. Behind him sits an even, pale blue field; the arrangement centres the sitter and lets his face stand out. Wrinkles are worked out with care, and the expression stays grave and thoughtful. The tones are muted, and no other objects or figures appear.
Context
Cranach was close to Luther personally and painted him repeatedly. This likeness dates from around 1532, by which time Luther was long established as the reformer. In Wittenberg Cranach ran a productive workshop that turned out many portraits of Luther, which helped spread the Reformation.
Impact
The frontal, plain view and restrained colour give the portrait a calm, collected mood. Because the features are recorded so precisely, the image takes on something personal and underlines the sitter's seriousness.
Technique
It was painted in oil on wood, as was usual at the time. The fine brushwork allows skin folds and surfaces to be captured precisely, while glazes produce the muted colouring.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)