In Luther's discussions with Cranach the Elder, Eisenach and Wartburg had surely played a role. The mother of the reformer had been born in the city; the father came from near Möhra. Eisenach, his dear city, was already well known by the reformer since childhood: here was his school, here he had preached.

In this time it had become however quiet around the fortress, the roaring celebrations of the Middle Ages long passed. Thus Wartburg guaranteed necessary security and the imperative secrecy for the banished, outlawed monk during the Wormser Reichstag, who had shaken the Roman church.

From 4 May 1521 until 1 March of the following year Luther remained hidden on his Patmos and unfurled one of his most productive creative periods.

The translation of the New Testament is considered as cradle and milestone of our common High German language.

The fact that Wartburg today besides several Luther portraits retains some further work of father and son Cranach it owes its thanks also to a direct descendant of the painters. Hans Lucas von Cranach had been Castle Captain of Wartburg since 1895; he died here in 1929.

The paintings of Martin Luther’s parents belong to the masterpieces of Lucas Cranach the Elder’s portrait art that are shown in the art collections of Wartburg.