Book
The Passional Christi und Antichristi is a polemic pamphlet that was published in 1521 in Wittenberg, Germany by Martin Luther. The illustrations were produced by Lucas Cranach the Elder, an artist who often collaborated with Luther in his printing endeavours. The illustrations that border the title include what appears to be a flame surrounding the title and engulfing most of the page; its possible that this is a symbol of the Holy Spirit or God whom Luther reflects on in his pamphlet and is convicted by to speak out against the religious authority of the Catholic Church. The woodcut illustrations represent a temple-style architecture that serves as the background of the page while a variety of creatures are supported by two of the poles on either side of the page. The condition of the page does not appear to have suffered from any major dangers like mold, burns, or torn out pieces. However, the page looks thin and appears to reveal some of the following page’s text and illustration borders. Some inscription in red is also visible directly under the title as well as a signature underneath the inscription however both are unclear and not legible to make out what is being written.
The Passional Christi und Antichristi communicated Luther’s views of the Pope as the Antichrist; a figure in the Christian religion that was feared to arrive at the end of times and claim to be the Christ. While Pope Leo X did not claim to be the Christ, Luther’s pamphlet placed a comparison of the Pope’s entitlement and actions that placed him as more than just a religious figure. In other words, Luther was convinced that the Pope was an abuser of his authority who reigned as a supreme being to his people, lived at their expense and lived a lavish life that preached everything that was the opposite of what Christ had commanded his followers to do. The role of the Pope, as Luther saw it, was to guide the Christian people into understanding their religion and developing a closer relationship with God; Luther evidently saw Pope Leo X’s position as a failure to follow this role and therefore took to exposing him in his polemic writing.
A prime example of the Pope’s superiority is demonstrated in Cranach’s illustration that depicted the Pope being treated like a god while his followers bow down and kiss his feet in submission to him. This is one of 26 illustrations that Cranach included in Luther’s pamphlet to help illustrate the comparison of the Pope to the Antichrist. The illustration is then contrasted by the depiction of Jesus Christ who instead of requesting honour and praise, washes the feet of his disciples in a humble symbolization of his love for his followers.
The rest of Luther’s pamphlet displayed similar comparisons of Biblical accounts of Jesus Christ in contrast to the evil that the Pope portrayed through his role in the church.
This particular copy is a reprint that includes an early modern typo found within the title where “uund” should be written as “und”. Regardless of this mistake, the difference in illustrations shows that this was a reprint of the pamphlet and serves as proof that Luther’s works circulated and were often reprinted in other regions to create easy access and distribution for eager readers. This copy displays a more intricately designed woodcut illustration that borders the title and fills most of the page. Additionally, there is evidence that it was printed in 1521 as it is inscribed at the bottom of the page. The illustrations by Hans Cranach display two angels on top who are presenting the title of the pamphlet in a way that can be argued to say that Luther’s pamphlet is symbolized as a written work that is either approved or presented by God and his angels. Additionally, there appear to be two other men at the bottom of the illustration, tearing themselves out of the page and looking up and towards the ornate architecture.