The Seven-headed Pope Animal

Probably as a reply to the broadsheet mocking the seven-headed Luther (cat. no. 36), the Reformer faction published a monster with the attributes of Catholic dignitaries. The apocalyptic animal appears as a seven- headed personification of the Old Church, represented by the pope, cardinals, and bishops. They are guarding the altar of the Lord, which has been degraded into a treasure chest by the collectors of indulgences. The large chest is surrounded by the instruments of the Passion of Christ. These most distinguished symbols of the Passion are flanked by the coat of arms of the pope, as if on a promotional stand. The sym- bol of the cross INRI has even been replaced by a sale tag with the words “Umb gelt ein sack / vol ablas” (For money a sack / full of indulgences).