Christ blessing the Children

Christ blessing the Children

Lucas Cranach the Elder
1538. Oil on panel. 59.3x120 cm. Private collection.

A pivotal theological painting of the Protestant Reformation. Illustrating Mark 10:13–16 — inscribed across the top of the panel — the artwork depicts mothers bringing infants to Jesus while the disciples attempt to turn them away. As a close friend of Martin Luther, Cranach used this biblical episode to express the Lutheran belief in unconditional divine grace (sola gratia), showing Christ offering direct warmth and spiritual welcome to all without institutional mediation.

 

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