Portret van Martin Luther 1811 - 1875

This portrait of Martin Luther was made by Albert Schule, likely sometime in the mid-19th century. It's a print, created by incising an image into a metal plate, inking the surface, and running it through a press. The real magic here is in the matrix: the metal plate from which the image is transferred. The process involves meticulous labor, the cutting of fine lines to create the image, a kind of hand-work that stands in sharp contrast to the mass-produced quality of the print. This tension between the handmade and the mechanical is important. Consider also the subject. Luther was a key figure in the Reformation. The printing press was essential to spreading his ideas, enabling his message to reach a wider audience. The availability of this print itself, echoes the historical importance of the printing press as a tool for democratization and mass communication. It's a fascinating combination of artistry, labor, and historical significance.