Skip to main content

Secondary sourcePainting1610

The Protestant Reformers

1610

A group portrait showing Calvin beside Martin Luther and other reformers around a lit candle, symbolising the continuation of the Reformation.

This group portrait places Calvin beside Luther as one of the founding figures of the Reformation.

Ask John Calvin about this sourceView the original(opens in new tab)
Painting of a crowded table scene with about two dozen bearded men in dark robes and hats gathered around an open book and a lit candle. Robed figures in the lower foreground, including a man in red and a monk-like figure, look up at the group. A framed panel of portrait medallions hangs above, and Latin and German inscriptions run along the bottom edge.
The Protestant Reformers, 1610. Hertford College, Oxford.

About this source

What it is

This 1610 painting, held by Hertford College, Oxford, shows a crowded gathering of around two dozen bearded men in dark robes and hats around an open book and a lit candle. Portrait medallions and Latin and German inscriptions appear along the composition.

Why it matters

Known as a 'candle of the Gospel' type image, the painting presents Calvin alongside Martin Luther and other reformers as founders whose work could not be extinguished — the inscription reads "The Candle is Lighted, We Cannot Blow Out." It shows how, within a generation, Calvin was grouped with Luther as one of the central figures of the Protestant Reformation.

Look closer

  • Why might the artist have chosen a candle as the central symbol of the painting?
  • What is the effect of showing so many reformers together rather than individually?
  • What does the inscription suggest about how the painting wanted viewers to think about the Reformation's future?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of John Calvin and Jan Hus on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More John Calvin sources

Meet the AI John Calvin →
Title page of the 1559 Geneva edition of Calvin's Institutio Christianae religionis, printed by Robert Estienne. Title text reads 'Institutio Christianae religionis... Iohanne Calvino authore.' A woodcut shows a tree with the motto 'Altum sapere' and a figure reaching toward it. Printed 'Geneva, M.D.LIX.'Book

Primary source

Institutes of the Christian Religion

John Calvin · 1536 (first edition); revised to 1559

Book

Primary source

Geneva Catechism

John Calvin

Title page of a 1539 printed book in black letter type on aged paper, reading 'Aulcuns pseaulmes et cantiques mys en chant', with a small ornament, 'A Strasburg', and the date 1539.Book

Primary source

Genevan Psalter

John Calvin · 1562 (complete edition)

Printed facsimile page titled 'Calvin to Edward VI, King of England, July 4 1552, British Museum', showing a handwritten letter in French script with a signature 'Vostre bon frère ... Iehan Calvin' at the bottom.Letter

Primary source

Letter to Edward VI of England

John Calvin · 4 July 1552

Painted portrait of a bearded man in a black beret, dark-brown garment, black collar with white linen edge, turned three-quarters to the left against a brown background. Inscription at top reads IOANNES CALVINVS.Painting

Primary source

Portrait of John Calvin

Unknown · 1550

Ready when you are

Start chatting with John Calvin now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for freeGet a quote for institutions