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Contextualizing Sixteenth-Century Lutheran Epitaphs by Lucas Cranach the Younger: The Influence of Luther’s Two Realms on the Composition and Content of a Set of Reformation Funerary Monuments DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Anastasia Christine Nurre Graduate Program in History of Art The Ohio State University 2015 Dissertation Committee: Professor Barbara Haeger, Advisor Professor Christian Kleinbub Professor Andrew Shelton Copyright by Anastasia Christine Nurre 2015 Abstract Painted epitaphs dominated the visual landscape of newly claimed or constructed sixteenth-century Lutheran churches. In consideration of Lutheran attitudes toward art, icons, and the worship of saints, the appearance and proliferation of memorials dedicated to prominent Lutheran leaders is noteworthy. Careful study of set of extant epitaphs by Wittenberg-based artist Lucas Cranach the Younger uncovers continuities between compositional format, subject matter, and types of donors, pointing to a connection between cultural factors and the role of epitaphs in the space of the Lutheran church. Within the historical context of Reformation Saxony, the continuities in the appearance of Lucas Cranach the Younger’s Lutheran epitaphs indicate that the artist harnessed the concept of Luther’s two realms, an earthly realm and a spiritual realm, as inspiration for a new epitaph format. Adapting the visual language of pre-Reformation devotional artworks, Cranach depicted donors demonstrating their adherence to and confession of the ‘true’ faith in the terrestrial realm, pictorializing the donor’s desire for their constituents’ continued adherence to a Lutheran confession in the face of sixteenth- century religious upheaval. Concurrently, the donor appears in a representation of the real but invisible spiritual realm that, according to Luther, appeared in the hearts of the faithful upon hearing the Word of God, thereby setting an example of devoutness for parishioners to follow. The donors’ example of leadership and expectation of obedience ii to their directives reinforces the perceived importance of local leadership in the solidification of territorial religious confession in Saxony during the second half of the sixteenth century. iii Dedication Dedicated to my husband, David, and children, Daphne and Elliot. iv Acknowledgments Funerary monuments surround my workspace, prompting me to recall my days playing in the rooms of our family-run funeral home during my childhood. These experiences and the family that facilitated them were integral in shaping my goals and research focus. In addition to the family business piquing my interest in funerary culture, I have been inspired by my grandmothers’ modeling of strong women, my father’s love of history, and my sister’s lively discussion of social identity. Generous babysitting offers from parents, particularly Katrien Hayes, have allowed me to immerse myself in this research safe in the knowledge that my children were cared for. Of course, my greatest advocates are my husband, who supported me while pursuing his own studies, and my two children. Conventional wisdom dictates that it takes a village to raise a child. Bringing a dissertation to fruition is no different. In addition to my family, I must thank my excellent adviser, Dr. Barbara Haeger, who pushed me beyond what I thought were my limits, as well as my committee members, Dr. Christian Kleinbub, and Dr. Andrew Shelton, who took time to read and comment on my finished paper. Colleagues Dr. Ariana Maki and Dr. Lizzy Ellis-Marino listened as I vetted ideas. Editor Cosimo Giovine guided me through initial revisions. Friend, colleague, and editor Deirdre McMurtry was an invaluable asset, talking for hours about history and theology, and polishing rough v chapters into clearly articulated ideas. My support network, including friends, family, and a community of mamas, formed a dispersed and diverse cheering squad. I am indebted to and grateful for the people in my village. Each of you has contributed to my achievement. I wouldn’t be here without you. vi Vita 2004................................................................M.A. Art History, University of Cincinnati 2001................................................................B.S. Anthropology, University of Cincinnati 1997................................................................Colerain High School, Cincinnati, Ohio 2005-2009 Graduate Assistant- Ohio State University Libraries, User Education 2002-2004 Teaching Assistant- University of Cincinnati, Art History Department 2005-2009 Contract Registrar- A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People 2005 Regional Project Director- A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People , Cincinnati, Ohio venue 2004-2005 Webpage Coordinator- Pangea Productions & Voyageur Media, Cincinnati, Ohio: Ohio Archaeology Project, 2002-2004 Production Assistant- Pangea Productions & Voyageur Media, Cincinnati, Ohio 2003-2005 Program Assistant- Behringer-Crawford Museum, Covington, Kentucky 2003 Museum Intern- Behringer-Crawford Museum, Covington, Kentucky 2004 Gallery Manager- University of Cincinnati, DAAP Galleries 2003 Gallery Monitor- University of Cincinnati, DAAP Galleries vii 2001-2004 Volunteer- Cincinnati Museum Center: Geier Collections & Research Center, Archaeology & Ethnology Collections 1998 Researcher- University of Cincinnati: CERHAS Earthworks Project Publications 2015 “Memorializing Christian Authority: Secular Leadership and Lutheran Ideology in Epitaph for Johannes Bugenhagen ” in Lucas Cranach der Jüngere und die Reformation der Bilder , forthcoming. Fields of Study Major Field: History of Art viii Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii Dedication .......................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgments............................................................................................................... v Vita .................................................................................................................................... vii Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... ix List of Figures ................................................................................................................... xii Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 Epitaphs in the Context of the Reformation .................................................................... 7 The Cranach Workshop and the Visualization of Lutheranism .................................... 14 Cranach the Younger, Artist.......................................................................................... 17 Current state of Literature ............................................................................................. 20 Methodology ................................................................................................................. 26 Chapter Outline ............................................................................................................. 28 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 30 Chapter 1: Epitaphs and the Two Dimensions of Human Existence ................................ 32 ix A Common Type ........................................................................................................... 34 Carefully Rendered Positions ........................................................................................ 39 Lutherans In Two Realms ............................................................................................. 40 The Two Realms and the Wittenberg Predella.............................................................. 49 Variations in Placement ................................................................................................ 52 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 73 Chapter 2: In the Heavenly Kingdom ............................................................................... 75 Confessionalization ....................................................................................................... 77 Setting the Stage ............................................................................................................ 81 Core Themes in Lutheran Confession ........................................................................... 86 In the Heart .................................................................................................................... 94 Revelation.................................................................................................................... 104 Following Christ .......................................................................................................... 114 External Signs ............................................................................................................. 117 The True Worshippers ................................................................................................