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Lucas Cranach the Elder, visual theologian, painter, and co-worker with Martin Luther in the Wittenberg Reformation: a theological-rhetorical analysis of his visual art.
(2023-09) 'Zweck, Pamela E.'
An analysis of Lucas Cranach’s religious art has confirmed that his works are rhetorical artefacts that speak to the viewer and therefore he can be considered a visual theologian of the Wittenberg Reformation. The relationship between Cranach’s rhetorical art and Luther’s rhetorical preaching are discussed throughout the thesis, with examples of Cranach’s images that reflect Luther’s preaching. Cranach’s painting for both Catholics and Lutherans is acknowledged and through an analysis of his Catholic works I show how, where appropriate, they were reused in Lutheran churches with the necessary changes in theological emphasis. In spite of working for both the Catholics and the Lutherans, it is evident from Cranach’s reformational work that he was totally committed to the central tenets of Lutheran theology. The inclusion of rhetorical motifs and symbols in his major sixteenth-century Lutheran works illuminates Luther’s understanding of the Word, especially his law and gospel distinction, and sacramental theology, thus making his Reformation teaching accessible to all people.