Portret van Maarten Luther 1597 - 1599

Curator: So, here we have a portrait of Maarten Luther. Editor: Indeed! This print, made by Robert Boissard between 1597 and 1599, showcases Luther in a Northern Renaissance style using engraving. I am struck by the detail in the lines— it's incredible that it was done by hand. What draws your attention in this piece? Curator: I find it significant to consider how the printing process itself democratized Luther's image and message. Engravings like these weren't simply artistic endeavors. They were reproducible media—a vital technology for spreading Reformation ideas. Note the inclusion of text – 'Theologus Germaniae clarus' - consider the context and social consumption around these prints. Editor: That’s a very interesting point. It wasn’t just about art, but also mass communication. How did the materials influence its reception, then? Curator: Precisely! Engravings, being relatively inexpensive to produce, allowed for a wide distribution among different social classes. They entered people’s homes, becoming commonplace items that facilitated ideological shifts. Furthermore, observe the book and inscription: are these simple ornaments or symbolic claims to theological truth and individual enlightenment, all mediated by a print? Editor: It completely reframes my understanding of portraiture! It is no longer a mere likeness, but a distributed object of labor. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Recognizing art's material presence and social function truly enriches our appreciation.