Portrait of Philipp Melanchthon, Church Reformer

Philipp Melanchthon was Luther's closest intellectual collaborator and the theologian who systematized Lutheran doctrine. Cranach produced numerous portraits of Melanchthon as he did of Luther, establishing the visual identity of the Reformation leadership for Protestant communities throughout Germany. This portrait, like others in the series, functioned as a devotional and commemorative object for Protestant households who wished to honor the fathers of their faith.

Melanchthon is depicted in three-quarter view with the direct, intelligent gaze Cranach consistently brings to his reformer portraits. The face is rendered with linear precision in Cranach's characteristic manner, and the scholar's dark coat is simply treated to keep focus on the face.