• A woodcut depicting Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God (upper right) as the the people of Israel worship the Golden Calf (lower left). On the right, Mount Sinai and Mount Horeb are labeled, as well as the figures of Moses and Joshua.
    Still image

    The Ten Commandments and the Golden Calf

    A woodcut depicting Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God (upper right) as the the people of Israel worship the Golden Calf (lower left). On the right, Mount Sinai and Mount Horeb are labeled, as well as the figures of Moses and Joshua.
  • A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's De captivitate babylonica ecclesiae printed in 1520. The border is comprised of a single woodcut. At the bottom, there is a crest with the Brazen Serpent coiled around a cross with two men pulling it from either side. On the sides, there are two plinths, cherubs, and riders atop a pair of centaur-like figures. At the top, there is another crest featuring two towers and a striped shield.
    Still image

    Historiated title page of Luther's De captivitate babylonica ecclesiae

    Cranach, Hans, -1537
    A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's De captivitate babylonica ecclesiae printed in 1520. The border is comprised of a single woodcut. At the bottom, there is a crest with the Brazen Serpent coiled around a cross with two men pulling it from either side. On the sides, there are two plinths, cherubs, and riders atop a pair of centaur-like figures. At the top, there is another crest featuring two towers and a striped shield.
  • A woodcut depicting the coat of arm sof Johann "the Constant" (or "Steadfast"), Elector of Saxony, who was a supporter of Luther and his movement. The coat of arms features a pair of crossed swords at the center, surrounded by ten fields with varying iconography, including lions, eagles, and a rose. Three helmets with different crests sit above the coat of arms and the entire composition is surrounded by a host of cherubs and a pair of trees.
    Still image

    Coat of Arms of Johann "The Constant", Elector of Saxony

    Cranach, Lucas, 1472-1553
    A woodcut depicting the coat of arm sof Johann "the Constant" (or "Steadfast"), Elector of Saxony, who was a supporter of Luther and his movement. The coat of arms features a pair of crossed swords at the center, surrounded by ten fields with varying iconography, including lions, eagles, and a rose. Three helmets with different crests sit above the coat of arms and the entire composition is surrounded by a host of cherubs and a pair of trees.
  • A woodcut of Pope Leo X's coat of arms, appearing on the title page of the official papal bull excommunicating Martin Luther. The coat of arms features the crossed keys to the kingdom of Heaven and the Papal crown, the traditional symbols of the Papacy, and the coat of arms of the Medici family, to which Pope Leo X belonged.
    Still image

    Pope Leo X's Coat of Arms

    A woodcut of Pope Leo X's coat of arms, appearing on the title page of the official papal bull excommunicating Martin Luther. The coat of arms features the crossed keys to the kingdom of Heaven and the Papal crown, the traditional symbols of the Papacy, and the coat of arms of the Medici family, to which Pope Leo X belonged.
  • A woodcut depicting an elaborate ciborium featuring several decorative spires and a crucifix at the top.
    Still image

    Ciborium

    A woodcut depicting an elaborate ciborium featuring several decorative spires and a crucifix at the top.
  • A woodcut depicting an elaborate monstrance, or an ostensorium, somewhat in the shape of a cathedral with a crucefix on top.
    Still image

    Monstrance

    A woodcut depicting an elaborate monstrance, or an ostensorium, somewhat in the shape of a cathedral with a crucefix on top.
  • A woodcut depicting Adam and Eve eating from the Tree of Knowledge as God looks on from Heaven. To the right, they are expelled from Eden by an angel wielding a sword. A set of four decorative woodcuts create a border around the main image and depict plants and birds.
    Still image

    Adam and Eve after eating from the Tree of Knowledge

    A woodcut depicting Adam and Eve eating from the Tree of Knowledge as God looks on from Heaven. To the right, they are expelled from Eden by an angel wielding a sword. A set of four decorative woodcuts create a border around the main image and depict plants and birds.
  • A woodcut border on the title page to Luther's Sermon von dem ehelichen Stand printed in 1519. The border depicts a series of cherubs, including two carrying another on a ram's pelt litter while it plays a horn and carries a standard.
    Still image

    Historiated title page of Luther's Sermon von dem ehelichen Stand

    A woodcut border on the title page to Luther's Sermon von dem ehelichen Stand printed in 1519. The border depicts a series of cherubs, including two carrying another on a ram's pelt litter while it plays a horn and carries a standard.
  • A woodcut border on the title page to Luther's Ad Johannem Ecciu[m] printed in 1519. The border depicts a variety of plants and animals, including a crane or heron and a squirrel.
    Still image

    Historiated title page of Luther's Ad Johannem Ecciu[m]

    A woodcut border on the title page to Luther's Ad Johannem Ecciu[m] printed in 1519. The border depicts a variety of plants and animals, including a crane or heron and a squirrel.
  • A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's In epistolam Pauli ad Galatas commentarius printed in 1519. The border depicts philosophers gathered around the Castalian spring, where historically the Delphi priestesses bathed before announcing their oracles, with the twin peaks of Mount Parnassus in the background. Along the sides and top of the border are a series of musicians playing flutes, harps, bagpipes, lutes, horns, and violins.
    Still image

    Historiated title page to Luther's In epistolam Pauli ad Galatas commentarius

    Cranach, Lucas, 1472-1553
    A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's In epistolam Pauli ad Galatas commentarius printed in 1519. The border depicts philosophers gathered around the Castalian spring, where historically the Delphi priestesses bathed before announcing their oracles, with the twin peaks of Mount Parnassus in the background. Along the sides and top of the border are a series of musicians playing flutes, harps, bagpipes, lutes, horns, and violins.
  • A woodcut depicting Martin Luther in the garb of an Augustinian Monk. Below Luther is a traditional Luther rose. Surrounding the portrait is an inscription, mirrored as the image was printed in reverse, reading "DOCTOR MARTINUS LUTTER AUGUSTINER: WITTENB:". This is purported to be the earliest depiction of Luther.
    Still image

    Martin Luther as an Augustinian Monk

    A woodcut depicting Martin Luther in the garb of an Augustinian Monk. Below Luther is a traditional Luther rose. Surrounding the portrait is an inscription, mirrored as the image was printed in reverse, reading "DOCTOR MARTINUS LUTTER AUGUSTINER: WITTENB:". This is purported to be the earliest depiction of Luther.
  • A woodcut border and central illustration on the title page toLuther's Disputatio domini Johannis Eccij et P. Martini Luther in Studio Lipsiensi futura printed in 1519. The border is composed of four separate decorative woodcuts: the left and top ones featuring plants and flowers, the right one depicting a stick with a ribbon coiled around it and stars in the background, and the bottom one depicting a monkey amidst floral ornaments. At the center of the page is a separate woodcut depicting John the Baptist carrying the Lamb of God.
    Still image

    Historiated title page of Luther's Disputatio domini Johannis Eccij et P. Martini Luther in Studio Lipsiensi futura

    A woodcut border and central illustration on the title page toLuther's Disputatio domini Johannis Eccij et P. Martini Luther in Studio Lipsiensi futura printed in 1519. The border is composed of four separate decorative woodcuts: the left and top ones featuring plants and flowers, the right one depicting a stick with a ribbon coiled around it and stars in the background, and the bottom one depicting a monkey amidst floral ornaments. At the center of the page is a separate woodcut depicting John the Baptist carrying the Lamb of God.
  • A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Sermo de penitentia printed in 1519. Along the bottom margin, the border features three portraits, one of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus, one of a saint holding a spear and a book (possibly Saint Longinus), and one of a pope. Along both side margins are a series of decorative elements, including a cherub, two men chasing each other around a column, a pair of cats, a goose, and a trio of women. At the top of the page, there is a scene of two women with fish tails for legs (possibly a reference to Scylla) flanking a running boy and bird.
    Still image

    Historiated title page of Luther's Sermo de penitentia

    A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Sermo de penitentia printed in 1519. Along the bottom margin, the border features three portraits, one of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus, one of a saint holding a spear and a book (possibly Saint Longinus), and one of a pope. Along both side margins are a series of decorative elements, including a cherub, two men chasing each other around a column, a pair of cats, a goose, and a trio of women. At the top of the page, there is a scene of two women with fish tails for legs (possibly a reference to Scylla) flanking a running boy and bird.
  • A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's defense of his thirteenth proposition on the power of the Pope printed in 1519. The border depicts philosophers gathered around the Castalian spring, where historically the Delphi priestesses bathed before announcing their oracles, with the twin peaks of Mount Parnassus in the background. Along the sides and top of the border are a series of musicians playing flutes, harps, bagpipes, lutes, horns, and violins.
    Still image

    Historiated title page of Luther's defense of his thirteenth proposition on the power of the Pope

    Cranach, Lucas, 1472-1553
    A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's defense of his thirteenth proposition on the power of the Pope printed in 1519. The border depicts philosophers gathered around the Castalian spring, where historically the Delphi priestesses bathed before announcing their oracles, with the twin peaks of Mount Parnassus in the background. Along the sides and top of the border are a series of musicians playing flutes, harps, bagpipes, lutes, horns, and violins.
  • A woodcut border and central illustration on the title page to Luther's Disputatio et excusatio printed in 1519. The border is composed of four separate decorative woodcuts: the left and top ones featuring plants and flowers, the right one depicting a stick with a ribbon coiled around it and stars in the background, and the bottom one depicting a monkey amidst floral ornaments. At the center of the page is a separate woodcut depicting a bishop, carrying a staff and book.
    Still image

    Historiated title page of Luther's Disputatio et excusatio

    A woodcut border and central illustration on the title page to Luther's Disputatio et excusatio printed in 1519. The border is composed of four separate decorative woodcuts: the left and top ones featuring plants and flowers, the right one depicting a stick with a ribbon coiled around it and stars in the background, and the bottom one depicting a monkey amidst floral ornaments. At the center of the page is a separate woodcut depicting a bishop, carrying a staff and book.
  • A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's In epistolam Pauli ad Galatas commentarius printed in 1519. The border depicts philosophers gathered around the Castalian spring, where historically the Delphi priestesses bathed before announcing their oracles, with the twin peaks of Mount Parnassus in the background. Along the sides and top of the border are a series of musicians playing flutes, harps, bagpipes, lutes, horns, and violins.
    Still image

    Historiated title page to Luther's In epistolam Pauli ad Galatas commentarius

    Cranach, Lucas, 1472-1553
    A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's In epistolam Pauli ad Galatas commentarius printed in 1519. The border depicts philosophers gathered around the Castalian spring, where historically the Delphi priestesses bathed before announcing their oracles, with the twin peaks of Mount Parnassus in the background. Along the sides and top of the border are a series of musicians playing flutes, harps, bagpipes, lutes, horns, and violins.
  • A woodcut depicting Martin Luther in the garb of an Augustinian Monk. Below Luther is a traditional Luther rose. Surrounding the portrait is an inscription, mirrored as the image was printed in reverse, reading "DOCTOR MARTINUS LUTTER AUGUSTINER: WITTENB:". This is purported to be the earliest depiction of Luther.
    Still image

    Martin Luther as an Augustinian Monk

    A woodcut depicting Martin Luther in the garb of an Augustinian Monk. Below Luther is a traditional Luther rose. Surrounding the portrait is an inscription, mirrored as the image was printed in reverse, reading "DOCTOR MARTINUS LUTTER AUGUSTINER: WITTENB:". This is purported to be the earliest depiction of Luther.
  • A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Resolutiones Lutherianae super propositionibus suis Lipsiae disputatis printed in 1519. The border depicts a fox chasing a bird (bottom), three boars (one holding a sword, one stirring a pot, and one wearing a crown and holding a scepter; right), a man with a comb (?) (top), and two men (one with a bucket and the other working a printing press; left).
    Still image

    Historiated title page to Luther's Resolutiones Lutherianae super propositionibus suis Lipsiae disputatis

    A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Resolutiones Lutherianae super propositionibus suis Lipsiae disputatis printed in 1519. The border depicts a fox chasing a bird (bottom), three boars (one holding a sword, one stirring a pot, and one wearing a crown and holding a scepter; right), a man with a comb (?) (top), and two men (one with a bucket and the other working a printing press; left).
  • A woodcut border on the title page of the fifth printing of Luther's sermon on the sacrament of penance. The border depicts philosophers gathered around the Castalian spring, where historically the Delphi priestesses bathed before announcing their oracles, with the twin peaks of Mount Parnassus in the background. Along the sides and top of the border are a series of musicians playing flutes, harps, bagpipes, lutes, horns, and violins.
    Still image

    Historiated title page to Luther's sermon on the Sacrament of Penance

    Cranach, Lucas, 1472-1553
    A woodcut border on the title page of the fifth printing of Luther's sermon on the sacrament of penance. The border depicts philosophers gathered around the Castalian spring, where historically the Delphi priestesses bathed before announcing their oracles, with the twin peaks of Mount Parnassus in the background. Along the sides and top of the border are a series of musicians playing flutes, harps, bagpipes, lutes, horns, and violins.
  • A woodcut depicting Mary and Joseph of Arimathea taking the body of Jesus down from the cross. The crown of thorns lies on the ground beside Jesus and the inscription "INRI" appears above the cross.
    Still image

    Removal of Jesus from the Cross

    A woodcut depicting Mary and Joseph of Arimathea taking the body of Jesus down from the cross. The crown of thorns lies on the ground beside Jesus and the inscription "INRI" appears above the cross.
  • A woodcut border on the title page of Johann Lange's Oratio published in 1519. The border is comprised of one complete woodcut and depicts a group of angels playing music as the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and several other saints watch. Additional scenes of cherubs picking fruit and climbing trees appear in the left and right border sections.
    Still image

    Historiated title page to Johann Lange's Oratio

    A woodcut border on the title page of Johann Lange's Oratio published in 1519. The border is comprised of one complete woodcut and depicts a group of angels playing music as the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and several other saints watch. Additional scenes of cherubs picking fruit and climbing trees appear in the left and right border sections.
Close