Monday, April 7, 2014
Commemorations
Albrecht Dürer, d. 1528; Lucas Cranach the Elder, d. 1553;
Matthias Grünewald, d. 1528;
Artists (transferred from April 6)
Reflection
Albrecht Dürer and Matthias Grünewald, the two most important artists in Germany at the time, met at the Coronation of Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles V, in 1520. On Martin Luther’s “disappearance,” when Luther had been sequestered by friends in the Warburg Castle, Dürer lamented Luther’s possible death: “O God, if Luther is dead, who will henceforth explain to us the gospel?” Dürer regretted never having painted Luther “as a lasting memorial to the Christian man who has helped me out of great anxiety.”
Grünewald’s influence and renown were not as widespread as
Dürer’s during his lifetime, yet his work, much of which is centered on the
crucifixion, is highly valued. At the time of his death, he secretly sided with
the Reformation.
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a close confidant of Luther and
the portraitist of the Reformers. Cranach was one of the few who knew Luther’s
whereabouts during his time of exile in the Wartburg, he was the sole lay
witness at Luther’s wedding, and Luther was the godfather for Cranach’s
daughter. One of his paintings serves at the altarpiece in Luther’s church in Wittenberg.
Prayer
Sweet Jesus, Thank you for artists who give us a glimpse of
your glory. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment