Martin Luther (1483–1546)

Lucas Cranach the Elder

Created:
Movement:
1532
Renaissance
key Notes:
Reformation Iconography, Portrait Realism
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Dimensions:
13 1/8 x 9 1/8 in. (33.3 x 23.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on wood
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

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Martin Luther (1483–1546) by Lucas Cranach the Elder

The painting "Martin Luther (1483–1546)" by Lucas Cranach the Elder, created in 1532, is an exemplary work of the Northern Renaissance, executed in oil on wood. Cranach, a close friend and supporter of Martin Luther, played a significant role in the visual dissemination of the Reformation through his portraits. This particular work captures Luther's likeness with a solemn and introspective demeanor, reflecting the gravity of his theological contributions. Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472–1553) was a prominent German painter and printmaker, known for his portraits and religious subjects, often characterized by their meticulous detail and vibrant color palette. As court painter to the Electors of Saxony, Cranach's work was instrumental in shaping the visual culture of the Reformation period. His portraits of Luther and other reformers helped to humanize and popularize their ideas across Europe.

Description of the work:

Martin Luther (1483–1546) by Lucas Cranach the Elder

This 1532 oil on wood painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder depicts Martin Luther, a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation, characterized by Cranach's distinctive style that combines detailed realism with a focus on the subject's expressive features. The artwork is part of the collection at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, showcasing Cranach's skill in portraiture and his close association with the Reformation movement.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Martin Luther (1483–1546)