“The Papal Belvedere” by Lucas Cranach the Elder in the 1545 publication of Luther’s Depiction of the Papacy. It features a papal bull complete with fire and brimstone, fresh from the hand of Pope Paul III meeting German peasants with farts, fresh from their “belvedere”. [Belvedere refers to a building in the Vatican, but also means “beautiful view”.
The Caption reads:
“Nicht Bapst: nicht schreck uns mit deim ban, Und sey nicht so zorniger man. Wir thun sonst ein gegen wehre, Und zeigen dirs Bel vedere.”
“Don’t frighten us Pope, with your ban, and don’t be such a furious man. Otherwise we shall turn away and show you our rears.”
