Title-Page, Martin Luther and a Duke of Saxony 1557

Curator: This is a title page, "Martin Luther and a Duke of Saxony," crafted by an anonymous artist. Editor: It feels heavy, doesn't it? Stark black ink on a cream field, the weight of tradition bearing down. Curator: Indeed. The image of Luther and the Duke kneeling before the crucified Christ signals a profound shift in religious authority. See how they are placed as equals. Editor: It is a radical statement. Kneeling is a powerful gesture. And the Duke's presence elevates Luther's cause, legitimizing it. Curator: The woodcut, with its sharp lines and dense symbolism, effectively communicates the gravity and immediacy of the Reformation. Editor: This image, it speaks of courage, of daring to challenge the established order. It’s more than just ink on paper. It’s a battle cry.