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Martin Luther (b. Eisleben 1483, d. s.p. 1546)
Martin Luther: Authograph letter signed: Mart. Luther D., to Joseph Levin von Metzsch and Günter von Bünau, “Exekutoren des Kreis Meissen”. Dated “dinstag nach Martini” (17 November), 1534. 1 page, 10 lines, with authograph address on verso. Mounted on an album leaf (folio). With some browning and folding marks.
The letter is a recommendation for the bearer, a preacher named Baltzer, who is hoping that the recipients of the letter, Joseph Levin von Metzsch and Guenter von Bünau, bailiffs of the Meissen District, will be able to use their influence on his behalf. This letter is not published in the Weimar edition of Luthers Werke, 1937, volume 7 “Briefwechsel”.
The letter is from the album of the English composer William Sterndale Bennett, inscribed by him on the mount “An original letter of Martin Luther's - date 1534” and in pencil “Presented by Schumann Apl. 12 1837”.
Next year (2017) is the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. By nailing his 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle church, Martin Luther forever changed Christianity when he began the Protestant Reformation in 16th-century Europe.
Letters by Martin Luther are extremely rare on the market.
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition report on request.
Please note: The item is subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act. In the event of a hammer price of DKK 50,000 or more, including buyer’s premium, the buyer must submit a copy of a valid photo ID and proof of address in order to collect the item.
Paintings, drawings & books, 20 September 2016