Luther as an Augustinian Friar, with Cap 1521

Lucas Cranach the Elder made this engraving of Martin Luther in 1521, a pivotal moment in the Protestant Reformation. Cranach, a close friend of Luther, portrays him here as an Augustinian friar, complete with cap. Look closely, and you’ll notice the details that humanize Luther – the set of his jaw, the slight furrow of his brow. This image circulated widely, becoming a recognizable symbol of the Reformation. But it also reflected the complex social dynamics of the era. Luther challenged the religious norms of the time, advocating for individual interpretation of the Bible and questioning the authority of the Catholic Church. Cranach’s portrait subtly reinforces this, presenting Luther not as a distant religious figure, but as an intellectual and spiritual leader accessible to the common person. As you stand before this print, consider how images shape our understanding of historical figures and movements. What emotions does this portrait evoke in you, and how does it connect you to the legacy of the Reformation?