Luther as 'Junker Jorg' (1522, Met-Objekt 2510)
Original title: Luther as 'Junker Jorg'
kurzbeschreibung
Lucas Cranach the Elder made this woodcut in 1522, presenting Martin Luther in profile as Junker Jörg. The sheet is the second of four states (Hollstein) and measures 36 × 22.5 cm. It ranks among the effective examples of Reformation visual propaganda.
Description
A man is shown in strict side profile with distinctly wavy hair, a thick curly beard and moustache. Strong, precisely placed lines outline the facial forms clearly. He wears a plain shirt whose collar lies flat across the chest. A horizon of parallel lines suggests the sky, and a few clouds appear at upper left. No other figures or objects are present.
Context
Between 1521 and 1522 Luther hid at the Wartburg and took the identity of Junker Jörg to avoid persecution. Cranach, a close associate of the reformer, portrayed him here in secular dress. The woodcut allowed reproduction and was meant to conceal Luther's true identity while keeping his voice present in Reformation debate. The motif belongs to a series of Luther portraits from Cranach's workshop.
Impact
The resolute profile and clear lines give the image a direct, emphatic presence. Simple clothing and a serious expression lend the view a dignified, ascetic air that underscores Luther's reforming role.
Technique
This sheet is a woodcut: the design was cut into a woodblock and then printed on paper. The process yields sharp contours and varied lines that render hair texture and shirt fabric in detail. The second of four states shows differences in linework or printing that are significant for distinguishing the states.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)