This portrait is dated 1548 and inscribed with what looks like the number 80; normally this would refer to the sitter’s age, though in this case his appearance suggests a much younger man. Inscriptions are often strengthened or covered entirely during old restorations, so this one may have been corrupted in this way. 

This work is probably the ‘portrait of Martin Luther’ recorded in Store at Carlton House in 1819 and valued at 5 guineas. In which case it was probably given to George IV as a historical document: his stores were full of historical portraits, mostly depicting the German princely caste. This painting would then be one of several likeness of Luther acquired for the collection after the Hanoverian succession (see also RCIN 405688, 406778 & 402656).

This portrait does not depict Luther who died before it was painted. It would seem to be a German portrait, broadly in the manner of Georg Pencz. It has been heavily overpainted which has resulted in a crude emphasis of the lines around the eyes, nose and mouth. The sitter appears half-length, his right hand raised on to the red ledge, his left partially visible holding a book; his coat has a wide, brown fur-trim, and he wears a flat black hat.