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Ortus et origo Papae (Birth and Origin of the Pope), 1545. Creator: Cranach, Lucas, the Elder (1472-1553)
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Ortus et origo Papae (Birth and Origin of the Pope), 1545. Creator: Cranach, Lucas, the Elder (1472-1553)
Ortus et origo Papae (Birth and Origin of the Pope), 1545. Private Collection
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Media ID 36256529
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Absolution Anti Roman Catholic Calvin Calvinism Catholic Church Cranach German History Hell History Of Germany Indulgence Lucas Luther Lutheranism Mythology Allegory And Literature Pope Protestantism Reformation Seven Deadly Sins Sinner The Elder 1472 1553
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Ortus et Origo Papae," or "The Birth and Origin of the Pope," is a powerful woodcut print created by the renowned German artist, Lucas Cranach the Elder, in 1545. This provocative work of art, now part of a private collection, was a bold statement against the Roman Catholic Church during the tumultuous period of the Reformation. Cranach masterfully employs allegory and literature to convey his anti-Roman Catholic sentiments. The central figure of the print is a grotesque, half-human, half-beast figure, representing the Pope. He emerges from a dark, ominous cloud, surrounded by the seven deadly sins and various other mythological creatures. The Pope is depicted in the act of absolving a sinner, symbolizing the sale of indulgences, a practice that was a major point of contention during the Reformation. The print also includes a caricature of Pope Paul III, who was known for his extravagant lifestyle and nepotism. Cranach's satirical portrayal of the Pope and the Catholic Church was a direct challenge to the authority of the Church and a rallying cry for the Protestant movement, led by figures such as Martin Luther and Calvin. The woodcut's intricate details and vivid imagery reflect the artistic style of the Renaissance period. However, unlike many works of art from this time, "Ortus et Origo Papae" was not created to celebrate the Church or its leaders. Instead, it was a bold and provocative statement against the Catholic Church and its practices, reflecting the political and religious tensions of the time. Today, this historic print remains an important piece of German history and a testament to the power of art as a tool for social and political commentary. Its intricate details and powerful symbolism continue to captivate viewers and inspire scholars of art, history, and theology.
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