Mass of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg in the Abbey Church Hall 1523

This drawing was made by Albrecht Durer in 1523, depicting the Mass of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg in the Abbey Church Hall. The image offers us insight into the religious and political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire during the early Reformation. Durer's meticulous lines capture the opulence of the Catholic Church, with Cardinal Albrecht at the center of the composition. The setting is architectural and the pillars and arches reference the Catholic church's connection with the Roman Empire, and thus the claim of divine right to rule. Made in Germany, during the time of Martin Luther, this image may subtly support the existing social structures. To fully grasp this artwork, scholars consult primary sources like letters and religious pamphlets, alongside secondary literature on the Reformation. By understanding the artwork's historical context, we reveal its meanings as something contingent on social and institutional context.