Stirring the World: German Printmaking in the Age of Luther

September 5–October 14

To mark the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, Stirring the World: German Printmaking in the Age of Luther presents a glimpse revealing some of the worries shared by early sixteenth-century Europeans. The art of Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and others address a variety of concerns, from apocalyptic fears and the abuse of papal authority to anxieties over the power of women and uncertainties about the expanding empire of the Ottoman Turks. Luther’s work did not pacify or temper the situation. On the contrary, it fostered greater commotion for social and religious change, stirring the world through spiritual renewal.

Curated by Calvin Professor of Art History, Dr. Henry Luttikhuizen, Stirring the World contains over 70 works on paper, on loan from major institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the St. Louis Art Museum, among others. This exhibition is made possible in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Lecture and opening reception

“Art and Agitation in Early Modern Germany: An Introduction to Stirring the World”
with curator Dr. Henry Luttikhuizen
Thursday, September 7, 6 p.m. (Center Art Gallery)
Reception to follow (West Lobby)

Gallery talk

“Spark of Genius: The Printmaking of Albrecht Dürer”
with Joanna Reiling Lindell
Tuesday, September 19, 3:30 p.m. (Center Art Gallery)

Gallery talk

“Stirring, Shaking, and Flooding: Apocalyptic Visions and the Reformation Explosion”
with Dr. Robin Barnes
Wednesday, September 27, 3:30 p.m. (Center Art Gallery)

Gallery talk

“Idol Hands: Image Destruction in Early Dutch Art”
with Dr. Larry Silver
Thursday, September 28, 6 p.m. (Center Art Gallery)
Reception to follow (West Lobby)

Drawing workshops

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with Calvin Art Professor Anna Greidanus
Saturday, September 30, 10 a.m. (Center Art Gallery)

Drawing workshops

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with Calvin Art Professor Anna Greidanus
Thursday, October 5, 1:30 p.m. (Center Art Gallery)

Gallery talk

Yes, No, Maybe: Early Modern Women’s Varied Responses to the Reformation”
with Dr. Karin Maag
Thursday, October 5, 3:30 p.m. (Center Art Gallery)

Drawing workshops

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with Calvin Art Professor Anna Greidanus
Thursday, October 12, 1:30 p.m. (Center Art Gallery)

Gallery Hours

Monday–Tuesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday–Friday 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Phone: (616) 526-6271
www.calvin.edu/centerartgallery

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