Portrait of Philip Melanchthon

This charming portrait depicts Philip Melanchthon, the acclaimed Lutheran reformer, in the Netherlandish portrait style. Melanchthon is depicted against a humble brown background in his typical black robes, the lack of embellishment or colour reflecting the Protestant ideals of modesty and humility. His face is resolute and his eyes sparkle with life, almost as if the sitter is concentrating or deep in thought.

The lightplay in this image is spectacular, with areas of white visible in Melanchthon’s eye. The dark areas on his cheek and lower face are shadows cast from his dark robes, indicating that the artist was adept at dealing with areas of shadow as well as of light. The face is naturalistic, depicting Melanchthon with prominent cheekbones, a shiny chin, a prominent nose, and defined smile lines. The simplicity of the robe and background suggest that the painter of this portrait was more skilled in rendering such realistic faces.

There are three known original portraits of Melanchthon, completed by Hans Holbein the Younger, Albrecht Durer, and Lucas Cranach the Elder. These portraits, to which the above bears a striking resemblance, depict Melanchthon with a gaunt face but bright eyes. Melanchthon did not value money or possessions, which is reflected in the simplicity of this portrait.