Martin Luther (1483–1546)
Lucas Cranach and his workshop produced many printed and painted portraits of Martin Luther, with whom the artist was well acquainted. In this small panel, the Reformer is shown close up, in three-quarter profile, wearing the distinctive black Protestant vestments. The picture was probably joined with a portrait of Philipp Melanchthon, a theologian, intellectual leader of the Reformation, and Luther’s main collaborator. Several surviving versions indicate that the pairing enjoyed a wide circulation. The present painting, which shows a certain formulaic stiffness, must be considered a repetition by Cranach’s workshop.
Artwork Details
- Title: Martin Luther (1483–1546)
- Artist: Workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder (German, Kronach 1472–1553 Weimar)
- Date: probably 1532
- Medium: Oil on wood
- Dimensions: 13 1/8 x 9 1/8 in. (33.3 x 23.2 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Robert Lehman, 1955
- Object Number: 55.220.2
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.