Portret van Georg Spalatinus 1730

This print of Georg Spalatinus was made by Johann Benjamin Brühl, who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Spalatinus was a significant figure in the Reformation, a close advisor to Elector Frederick III of Saxony, and a key supporter of Martin Luther. Brühl's portrait captures Spalatinus holding a book, a symbol of knowledge and his role as a historian, reflecting the intellectual ferment of the Reformation era. What's interesting here is how the print serves as a form of historical record, immortalizing a figure who shaped religious and political landscapes. This image invites us to reflect on the power dynamics of the time and the ways in which individuals like Spalatinus navigated the intersections of faith, power, and intellect. It is a reminder of the Reformation's profound impact and the ongoing dialogue between religious authority and individual agency.