Luther as an Augustinian Friar, with Cap 1521

This 1521 engraving by Lucas Cranach the Elder depicts Martin Luther, a German theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation, as an Augustinian Friar. Luther’s portrait is rendered in profile, with his head tilted slightly upwards, giving him a contemplative air. The detailed portrayal of Luther's features and the intricate details of his habit, including his distinctive cap, reveal Cranach's mastery of the engraving medium. This powerful image, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reflects the impact Luther had on the religious landscape of Europe during the 16th century.