Portret van Martin Luther 1746

Curator: We're now looking at "Portret van Martin Luther," an engraving dating back to 1746 by Johann Martin Bernigeroth, held here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It's striking how severe Luther appears. There’s a weighty gravity to the subject—almost an unsettling sense of resolve, amplified by the inscription at the top. What’s your read on its historical context? Curator: Absolutely. Prints like this circulated widely and were vital in shaping Luther’s image during the Reformation and well after. This wasn't just about accurate likeness; it was about projecting power and ideological conviction. These images played a significant role in disseminating Protestant ideals and cementing Luther's legacy. Editor: The rigid pose, his slightly downward glance—it reads like a calculated display of authority. I can't help but think about the deliberate construction of masculinity embedded in portrayals of influential figures. Were there competing visual narratives of Luther at the time? Curator: Precisely. While some paintings portray a kinder Luther, works such as this Baroque print often adopted a different visual language. Keep in mind, this image appears nearly two centuries after Luther lived. Think about how narratives are carefully reconstructed. It’s a very particular moment of invoking and memorializing this religious and political figure. Editor: You're so right to focus on the work as a tool of state. The lines of the engraving contribute to a sense of monumentality. Consider the print medium itself too—affordable, reproducible, portable. The print ensured the idea of Luther traveled far and wide. What stays with you most, considering our contemporary vantage? Curator: For me, it's the continued resonance of these carefully curated public images, even now. The power of image making to not only reflect history, but shape its very understanding is still palpable today. Editor: I completely agree. Examining this engraving, forces us to look critically at the narratives being created and recreated about people and movements to this day. Thanks for your perspective on this striking engraving, I found our dialogue quite illuminating.