March the 17th, 1521, Vittenburg.

Luther's protector, Frederick the Wise, is 300 miles away at the de-at of Verms.

And Luther expects, any day now, to be escorted under guard to the same place to face trial.

Martin, please sit still.

Well, under the circumstances.

Lucas Cranach is a close friend of Luther's and a celebrated artist.

About 50 years old, with purse, lips and piercing eyes,

he's been the court painter to Frederick the Wise Luther's protector since 1504.

Today, not for the first time, he's doing a charcoal sketch of a face he knows very well.

Luther's dark brown hair curls out from beneath his black professorial cap.

There's a shadow of stubble around his mouth and chin.

I must say you look a little tired.

Lucas, would my portrait be more valuable to you if I were dead?

Martin, the way things often go is that paintings become more valuable after the artist dies.

Unfortunately.

Quite, and I'd prefer not to test the thesis if it's all the same to you.

Turn your head just to the right.

Lucas, the gifts and calling of God come in many varieties.

And yours.

Yours is a remarkable one.

When I paint, I am content.

Next to faith, that is the highest art, to be content with the calling in which God has placed you.

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