Bartholomacus Rosinus
Confessionsschrifft (Confessional Writing)
Jena: Tobias Steinmann, 1599
Paper, gold-embossed leather binding (By Lucas Weischner)
Forchangebibliotek Grtha der Universatat Erfurt.
Luther's portrait was on e of the moste widespread motifs in Protestant German bookbinding of the 1500s. Even if he did not write a given book, his likeness might be used on teh cover to indicated the author's and threader's allegiance to him.
Count Hentry of Reuss supported a break from the Habsburg Imperial family. As part of that push for specration, he commisssioned this reprinting of the text that outlined the set of Protestant beliefs and ordered special copies of the book asa gifts. A coat of arms in the copy indicates that it was made for Duchess Anna Maria of Saxe-Weimar.
The inscription says, "If you wish to become familiar with Luther's countenance, then view this picutre: if you wish to know his thoughts, then consult his books."