MARTIN LUTHER IN THE VISUAL RECEPTION OF THE REFORMATION IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

The article explores the specifics of the visual reactualization of the Reformation in the German states in the first half of the 19th century. The planning of the first Luther-monument by the Patriotic-Literary Association of The Mansfeld County demonstrates the differences in the interpretation of the reformer’s historical role. The options proposed for the memorial design competition give an insight into the peculiarities of the burgher idea for a national monument early in the century. Changes in the sociopolitical climate by the 1820s are reflected in the approved version of the monument, which represents the conservative viewpoint of the monarchy. The development of the Reformation symbolism over 300 years is traced on the example of the published coin collection dedicated to the anniversaries of 1617, 1717 and 1817. The tendency of the historical personalization is studied through the graphic cycles by Wilhelm von Löwenstern, Carl August Schwerdgeburt and Gustav König. Thus, the study of various visual sources reveals not only different strategies of the historical images popularization, but also clearly demonstrates the conflict of receptions around the Reformation heritage that emerged during the creation of a new national symbol.