Martin Luther Carved Oak Panel Portrait

A carved oak panel depicting German theologian Martin Luther (1483-1546) in bas relief, ca. probably 19th/20th Century. In the half-length portrait, Luther can be seen at 3/4 profile holding a feather pen in his right hand and an open book in the other. The panel is composite, comprised of at least five layers joined together. Expected surface wear including minor splitting between the right edge of the sculptural panel and the frame edge. Else very good. The panel overall measures 21.75" x 26.75" x 2.25" and weighs 12 lbs.

Portraits of Martin Luther are ubiquitous; Luther's close friend Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553) executed numerous engravings and oil paintings of Luther, and artists exploited the religious reformer's popularity (or notoriety) even after his lifetime. The objects which Luther is holding signify that he is learned, but they also represent two central tents of Protestantism: "sola scriptura" (or reliance on the Holy Scripture alone), symbolized by the open book; and the "priesthood of all believers," the idea that all individuals, not just the clergy, could interpret Christianity, symbolized by the pen.

Luther was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1507 and later became an Augustinian monk. Critical of some of the abuses he observed in the church, Luther published his 95 Theses in 1517; he was later excommunicated and outlawed.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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