Overlijden van Martin Luther 1547

This bronze medal, crafted by Hans Reinhart the Elder, immortalizes Martin Luther. A somber portrait, encased within inscriptions, captures the reformer’s likeness, yet it is the very form of the medal that speaks volumes. Circular, like a coin or a Roman portrait medal, it echoes classical forms, evoking concepts of legacy and remembrance, but in a modern, Protestant context. The tradition of portrait medals can be traced back to antiquity, with rulers and influential figures immortalized in metal. In Luther’s time, this format acquired new significance, as portraiture was a tool for spreading humanist ideas. Consider how ancient Roman Emperors were often depicted in profile on coins, associating themselves with power and divine authority, with their images cast in metal. The use of metal in this medal lends it a permanence, underscoring the enduring impact of Luther’s theology. The medal serves as a potent cultural artifact, linking the past to the present. As we view this image, we engage with the complex interplay between memory, identity, and cultural transmission.