Artwork
Martin Luther
Martin Luther is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Altdorfer, a German Renaissance artist active in Regensburg, produced an engraving of Martin Luther around 1525. Executed on laid paper, the print presents a portrait‑like image of the reformer, framed by a decorative wreath and a small inscription box.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on the likeness of Martin Luther, the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation. By isolating his head and shoulders within an ornamental border, Altdorfer emphasizes Luther’s personal authority and the significance of his theological challenge to the Catholic Church.
Technique & Style
Created through intaglio engraving, the artist incised fine lines into a metal plate, applied ink, and transferred the image onto paper. The resulting black‑and‑white composition displays sharp, detailed rendering of hair, beard, and garment folds, characteristic of Altdorfer’s precise line work and his interest in small‑scale prints.
History & Provenance
Altdorfer, a leading member of the Danube School, was also associated with the Nuremberg Little Masters, a group known for intricate, modestly sized engravings. This portrait aligns with his broader practice of integrating historical subjects into finely executed graphic works during the early Reformation period.
Context
The engraving emerges at a time when Luther’s ideas were rapidly spreading across the Holy Roman Empire. Altdorfer’s decision to depict the reformer reflects the growing cultural and religious impact of Luther’s writings and the demand for visual representations of contemporary figures.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…
