Luther as 'Junker Jorg' 1522

This is Lucas Cranach the Elder’s woodcut depicting Martin Luther as ‘Junker Jorg’. Luther, under threat from papal authority, was secreted away to Wartburg Castle, and it was during this time that he was disguised under the guise of ‘Junker Jorg’. With a deliberately cultivated appearance, this artwork offers insights into how identity can be both performed and strategically constructed. Cranach, a close friend of Luther, skillfully captured the reformer’s new persona. The print, therefore, subtly challenges the rigid social and religious structures of the time. It subtly critiques the traditional symbols of power and authority, offering an alternative narrative where identity is fluid and capable of being reshaped. The artwork invites us to consider how we too can navigate and negotiate our identities within the complex societal structures that define our lives. It offers an evocative glimpse into a moment of transformation, both personal and historical, that continues to resonate.