Das religiöse Bild nach der Reformation: Zu Lucas Cranachs d.Ä. ‚Schmerzensmann‘, Wittenberger Stadtkirchenretabel, ‚Kindersegnung‘, ‚Christus und die Ehebrecherin‘ und ‚Gesetz und Evangelium‘

Abstract

This article considers the consequences of the Reformation emanating from Wittenberg for the religious art of the Later Middle Ages. I show how a traditional motif (the “imago pietatis”) could be retained unaltered even as it was viewed differently – which draws attention to the role of the beholder in using and ascribing meaning to religious art – and how, in contrast, other motifs were changed and adjusted. The Wittenberg city church altarpiece and the central Lutheran visual themes are explained by reference to the writings of Luther. The motif of “Law and Gospel” – particularly in the painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder in Gotha – is closely related to Luther’s theology, even with regard to the smallest references. Noll ARG_109_Inhalt_DD.indd 200 10.09.2018 12:49:40 201 Das religiöse Bild nach der Reformation Abb. 1: Lucas Cranach d.Ä., Christus als Schmerzensmann, um 1515, Rotbuchenholz, 57 x 39,7 cm, Evangelische Kirchengemeinde St. Petri, Wörlitz Abb. 2: Lucas Cranach d.Ä., Christus als Schmerzensmann, um 1540, Holz, 56,4 x 45,5 cm, Angermuseum, Erfurt ARG_109_Inhalt_DD.indd 201 10.09.2018 12:49:44