De Helden der Reformatie, ca. 1415-1630 19th century

"De Helden der Reformatie, ca. 1415-1630" is a 19th-century anonymous print featuring portraits of prominent figures from the Protestant Reformation, a significant religious movement that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. This print, held at the Rijksmuseum, depicts Martin Luther, Johannes Calvin, Philipp Melanchthon, Ulrich Zwingli, and Andreas Karlstadt. These influential figures, often viewed as heroes of the Reformation, spearheaded religious and social change across Europe, advocating for individual interpretation of scripture and challenging traditional doctrines. The print's monochrome aesthetic, characteristic of 19th-century printmaking, creates a sense of historical gravitas, highlighting the enduring legacy of these figures.