CRANACH, Lucas the Elder
(b. 1472, Kronach, d. 1553, Weimar)

Reformation Altar

1530s, consecrated in 1547
Oil on panel
Stadtkirche, Wittenberg

The central panel represents the Last Supper, depicting Luther amongst the Apostles. The left panel (probably by Lucas Cranach the Younger) represents the Baptism: Philipp Melanchthon administering the sacrament of Baptism, while the right panel (by Lucas Cranach the Younger) represents the Penance: Johannes Bugenhagen administering the power of keys by hearing confession of sins and administering absolution. The predella shows Martin Luther preaching.