Martin Luther 1526

This small silver medal depicting Martin Luther was made by Friedrich Hagenauer, likely in Augsburg, Germany, around 1526. The medal is a powerful example of how art could serve the cause of religious reform during the Reformation. The sharp, clean profile and the prominent date underscore the importance of this particular moment. Medals such as this one were made for circulation, and in particular for distribution amongst Luther's followers as a mark of identification and belonging. They were important tools of propaganda. Careful historical research into the production and distribution of these medals, along with analysis of the changing image of Luther, helps us understand how the Reformation gained such traction in the Holy Roman Empire, and how visual culture played a key role in the dissemination of new ideas.