Portret van Margarethe Luther 1805 - 1844

Hermann Hirsch Pinhas created this print of Margarethe Luther, Martin Luther’s mother, in the early 19th century. Pinhas, a Jewish artist living in a time of shifting social and political landscapes, here immortalizes a woman central to the Reformation. The print invites us to consider the role of women in shaping historical narratives. Margarethe, often overshadowed by her son’s legacy, is presented here as an individual. Her identity as a mother is key, but the wrinkles around her eyes, the set of her mouth, and the plain headscarf she wears all suggest a life of hard work and determination. This image prompts us to reflect on the intersection of religious history, gender roles, and individual identity. How do we reconcile the personal lives of historical figures with their public personas? What does it mean to be remembered primarily as the mother of a famous man, and how can art offer a more nuanced understanding of a woman's life?