Luther Posting the 95 Theses

Why it's great

According to tradition, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses, complaints against the Church's sale of pardons, to the church door in Wittenberg, which launched the Reformation. Historians debate how it happened, but this scene from 1872 is the famous image.

🏛️ Part of history

The Protestant Reformation (1517–1648) — According to tradition, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses, complaints against the Church's sale of pardons, to the church door in Wittenberg, which launched the Reformation.

Where to see it

📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.

Hang it on your wall

⬇ Hi-res download 1,480 × 833 px · 1.2 megapixels This is the largest scan on Wikimedia Commons, which is fairly small for a big print. The museum that owns it may offer a larger one. File page & license ↗

Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:

💵 Budget Etsy ↗ Posters and simple prints from small sellers, usually the lowest prices. 🖼️ Mid-range Fine Art America ↗ Good printing on paper, canvas or metal, made to order, with framing options. 🏛️ High-end Meisterdrucke ↗ Museum-grade giclée prints on archival paper or canvas, the closest to the real thing.

These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.

About the artist

Ferdinand Pauwels (attributed)

1830–1904 · born in Eeklo · died in Dresden

Ferdinand Pauwels was a Belgian painter born in Eeklo in 1830. He became a professor at the art academy in Dresden, Germany, and painted large scenes from the history of the Reformation. This picture is attributed to him, which means experts think but cannot prove that he painted it. He died in Dresden in 1904.