Art for Dying Well in Christ | Dying Well in Christ Forum Presentation
Click on the image above to see a video recording of my presentation for the Dying Well in Christ Forum held at Concordia Seminary–St. Louis, July 7–9. Art for Dying Well in Christ: The Reformation of Ars Moriendi Images in Luther and Cranach Ars Moriendi (The Art of Dying) manuals during the Middle Ages often contained a series of woodcuts intended to help the dying navigate the temptations surrounding the moment of death. In both Martin Luther’s pastoral care and Lucas Cranach the Elder’s Law-and-Gospel-themed woodcuts and paintings, we can see a response to and a reformation of Ars Moriendi images. This renewed emphasis turns the focus back to God’s external promises in His Word and redirects our eyes to Christ crucified, our merciful Savior. This presentation will explore how visual art can properly be used as a reminder to fix our eyes on Jesus and His promises in the midst of both life and death.
