Protestant Reformation Flashcards
Sacrilege
violation of anything held sacred (Government officials, death, flags)
Blasphemy
lack of reverence for God and sacred. religious connotation.
When was the protestant reformation?
1520-1560
Who led the Protestant Reformation?
Martin Luther. 1520 he is concerned with corruption in the church. He has a list of 95/99 grievances, upset by the sale of indulgences (payments by the wealthy for the absolution of their sins- pay your way to heaven!).Luther believes that anyone that believed in god had a direct relationship with him- this undermines the status of Church officials. He wanted Bible and church services translated to German so everyone would understand them.
Iconoclast
“Breaking of images”- against the use of icons in worship. against art and sculpture, most protestants are iconoclasts. They were ok with portraits and depictions of biblical events
Albrecht Durer
made paintings of Apostles
Mathias Grunewald, “The Crucifixion”
altar piece
Lucas Cranach
portrait of Martin Luther
Greek Orthodox Church
split from Roman Catholics first
Campaign against Martin Luther
The Vatican mounted a campaign against Martin Luther. They beautified their interiors to attract the faithful- using art- the power of images!
Luther and Printmaking
Luther used printmaking to his advantage. Some cities required printers to get permission before printing things. Printmaking was driven underground. Printmaking facilitates the joint use of images and text. He worked with artists and printers to help create printings of his message.
Hans Baldun Grien, “Luther with the Bible, Halo, and Dove” 1521
He’s defaced, his eyes are gouged out. Eyes are the most vulnerable and corruptible of the senses.
Monogrammist BP, “Satire on the Papal Coat of Arms with German text by Luther” 1538
Portrays Coat as focusing on money. Papal ring is broken- no confidence in the Pope. Luther is against images BUT uses them to attack Papacy.
Hans Sebald Beham, “Luther as an Evangelist” 1520
Gives Luther increased importance (he wasn’t an evangelist). Luther did not play a role in this portrayal but also didn’t stop it.
Evangelist
one who spreads the word of God, there are 4, they’re saintly. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Wrote the New Testament.
Lucas Cranach, “Luther as an Augustinian Monk Preaching Before a Niche” 1520
Often defaced- eyes
Erhard Schon, “A Wondrous Prophecy of the Papacy” 1527
Exposing illicit behind the scenes activity- clergy brothels! Symbolized by feeding the animal behind the screen. Sickle and leg: the church is undermining itself- cutting off its own leg.
David de Negker, “The Avenging Angel over the Defeated Papist” 1558
Luther is still hoping to reform the church.
Protestant Reformation: Who, What, Why, When, Where
Who: Martin Luther What: Splitting off from Catholic Church Why: Didn't agree with ethics of Catholic Church- they were acting corrupt. When: 1520-1560 Where: Martin Luther was in Germany.
Anonymous, “The Great Lutheran Fool” from 1522
Against Luther- he’s being stabbed in the mouth for speaking lies. Church launched anti-Luther propaganda- he was a blasphemer.
The Whore of Babylon, published by Cranach
Mother of Harlots and abominations of the Earth. Referenced in the Bible. She is wearing a small version of the Papal tiara (1 tier instead of 3)- this says that the Church has become the Whore of Babylon.
Lucas Cranach, Diana Resting
He worked closely with Luther and supported him. Diana was a Greek Goddess. Cranach was scrutinized for doing female nudes and consequently stopped making art like this.
Burgos Bible, Adam and Eve, Face of Serpent Gouged out
Serpent- common subject of defacement in the Bible. Adam and Eve were commonly defaced- sexuality and nudity. Defacement was often done by wetting a finger and rubbing manuscript pages.
Bromholm Psalter
Smeared page- indicates defacement.
Susannah and the Elders
Post Luther, not censored. Fear people had over power of vision. Seeing lascivious things leads to committing lascivious acts.
Andre Serrano
Photographer, censored. “Heaven and Hell”, “Piss Christ”
