Portrait of Martin Luther 1548

This portrait of Martin Luther was made as an engraving by Melchior Lorck. It reflects not just the man, but the moment, and the way the Reformation was shaped by the relatively new technology of print. Consider how the image creates meaning: Luther is shown at his desk, pen in hand, surrounded by books. It is the image of a scholar, but also a man whose ideas spread through the printed word. This portrait was made in 1548, in the midst of the Reformation, a period of immense religious and political upheaval in Europe. Luther’s challenge to the Catholic Church was hugely influential, and his ideas spread rapidly thanks to the printing press. Luther's image was reproduced and circulated widely, making him a recognizable figure across Europe. This portrait, like many others, played a role in shaping his public image and promoting the Reformation cause. Investigating the archives of the printing industry gives us a better sense of the cultural impact of this work.