Public domain
The Emperor kisses the Pope's feet
From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Emperor Henry IV kisses the feet of Pope Gregory VII in 1077. Contrast on the treatment of subordinates. Mirror-image copy of the print by Lucas Cranach in the pamphlet 'Passional Christi und Antichristi' by Martin Luther from 1521, page 602 from a 17th-century edition. The series of thirteen pairs of woodcuts depicts the contrasts between the humility and selflessness of Christ on the one hand, and the pride and greed of the Pope on the other.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineKeizer kust de voeten van de paus. c. 1661. Monogrammist GK (prentmaker, 17e eeuw). Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
