Lutheran Apocalyptic Imagery in the Orthodox Context

Dürer’s Apocalypse was undoubtedly the prototype for many apocalyptic representations that suddenly appeared in Central Europe by end of sixteenth century: influence extended far beyond German borders, towards Western, Southern and Eastern countries. The text is extremely rich symbols so it could easily be enriched with additional meanings: Cranach’s reworking iconographic model 1520s, under Luther’s personal guidance, became a key instrument transmission Lutheran doctrine anti-papal criticism. reception these prototypes Orthodox world followed different routes, as two works art can prove, namely, cycle frescoes on Mount Athos series Gospel book covers made at seventeenth century an unidentified Transylvanian Saxon goldsmith. In latter, Cranach prototype, which originally purpose transmitting doctrine, brilliantly adapted goldsmith to context. comparative analysis same scene Dürer, useful show how employed transmit religious political message while adapting specific needs characteristics culturally religiously