Artists of the Reformation. . .

Lutherans embraced art very differently than others in the Reformation period.  Unfortunately, Lutherans have short memories.  We have forgotten those who gave visual image to the Word.  I am happy to report that one such artist, really a father and son team, the Cranachs, are now featured in a very nice digital archive so that we can begin to reconnect with our Lutheran past and reacquaint ourselves with some rather big figures in the art world of the time -- who were friends and co-workers with Luther and his heirs in the Great Reformation.

The Lucas Cranach digital archive is located here.  Take a gander.  It is amazing!  (HT to Pr. Paul McCain)

Matthias Grünewald is another name of note, though, sadly, much of his work has not survived and some of it was falsely attributed to Albrecht Dürer.  His most famous piece is the Isenheim Altarpiece. Albrecht Dürer was a contemporary of Luther and a great sympathizer with the Reformer.

Lutheran art adorned countless publications, including the Luther Bible of 1522, as well as many altars and altarpieces.  Would that we remembered those who gave such visual form to the cause of reform.  We just might be different in our attitude toward art and adornment.

Well, the point of this is simply to commend for your review the Lucas Cranach Digital Archive.... so I will stop here on my usual rant against iconoclasts..

BTW since Paul McCain has shamelessly stolen from me, it is time for me to shamelessely steal from him, again!  So click on this marvelous link to the Ghent altarpiece and a digital view of that work of art that is absolutely stunning.  Click HERE!