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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 The sym- bol of the cross INRI has even been replaced by a sale tag with the words “Umb gelt ein sack / vol ablas” (For money a sack / full of indulgences).

Details

  • Title: The Seven-headed Pope Animal
  • Creator: unknown
  • Date Created: c. 1530–43
  • Physical Dimensions: image: 25.5 × 22.9 cm, sheet: 34.8 x 25.4
  • Technique and Material: Colored Woodcut
  • Provenance: Von Nagler Collection
  • Museum: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett
  • Inv.-No.: 282–10
  • ISIL-No.: DE-MUS-018511
  • External Link: http://www.smb.museum/museen-und-einrichtungen/kupferstichkabinett/home.html
  • Copyright: Photo © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett/ Jörg P. Anders; Text © Renaissance and Reformation: German Art in the Age of Dürer and Cranach, A Cooperation of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, and the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen München, Catalogue of the Exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Nov 20, 2016 – March 26, 2017, Munich: Prestel, 2016; cat. no. 37 / Michael Roth
  • Catalogue: https://prestelpublishing.randomhouse.de/book/Renaissance-and-Reformation/Stephanie-Buck/Prestel-com/e504919.rhd
  • Artist Dates: unknown
  • Artist Biography: unknown

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