Book Title: Das Newe Testament Deuotzsch.

Author: Luther, Martin, 1483-1546

Image Title: Whore of Babylon from the September Testament

Scripture Reference:

• Revelation 17 (further images / scripture text)

Description: The image is the “Whore of Babylon” from Martin Luther's (1483-1546) September Testament. The image is base on Revelation chapter 17. A harlot sits on a beast with seven heads and ten horns (v 17:3), decked with precious stones and pearls, with a golden cup in her hand full of abominations (v 17:4). She is drunk (v 17:6) and a king (v 17:10) worships her along with others kneeling before her. The triple tiara crown identifies the harlot as the pope. The image is by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553), a close friend of Martin Luther (1483-1546). This symbolism was considered too offensive and the triple tiara became a single tiara in the second edition of Luther’s New Testament which appeared in December 1522.

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