The Lutheran Middle Ages
The Survival of Medieval Art in Protestant Churches in Germany
By Justin Kroesen
The wealth of medieval art found in Germany’s Protestant churches is unparalleled; contrary to what is generally believed, Lutherans were often tolerant to medieval church interiors, maintaining or altering the use of furnishings and images or simply accepting them as neutral things (adiaphora) and as objects of tradition. In consequence, it is the country’s Lutheran churches that offer the most insight into what churches looked like before the Reformation, not only in Germany but even across the Latin West.
This book, illustrated with over 500 colour photographs by the author, visually explores Germany’s best medieval church interiors. A presentation of twenty-five outstanding examples is followed by analysis of the primary factors in the survival of medieval art through five centuries of Protestantism. Then, ten thematic chapters discuss the most important furnishings, including altars and their decorations, tabernacles, stalls and benches, screens, pulpits, sculptures, and baptismal fonts.
Justin Kroesen is Professor of Cultural History at the University of Bergen, Norway, and scientific curator of the University Museum’s art collection. His research focuses on the art and architecture of medieval churches, the material culture of worship, and the impact of the Reformations.