Portrait of Martin Luther
Lucas Cranach the Elder
1532
Cranach's portraits are often criticised for being impersonal and schematic, for not being convincingly lifelike. The portrait of Luther, of which countless copies exist, is a typical example. Why does Cranach, a Renaissance artist, not meet the ideals of mimesis prevalent in his own time? The portrait is obviously governed by intentions other than depicting Luther's physiognomy in a realistic manner or plumbing the depths of his personality. But which intentions? The most characteristic feature of the work is its iconic quality. Cranach translates his subject into an easily recognisable sign, an icon.
SMK – National Gallery of Denmark, Copenhagen · Image: SMK – National Gallery of Denmark, Public domain · Text: SMK – National Gallery of Denmark (text: Hanne Kolind Poulsen) (adapted), CC0