Engraving of twelve members of The Schmalkaldic League. A scene of a feast attended by twelve members of The Schmalkaldic League, an alliance formed by Lutheran Princes and Nobles of the Holy Roman Empire. The reformers are pictured seated around a large table covered with plates of fish and meat, beneath a bower of vine-leaves. The members of the League can be seen bearing cups and sharing flasks as they are attended by servants pouring wine. Each of the twelve Protestants are identified by their name, engraved on the plate, however the composition is without a title.

The Schmalkaldic League was formed in 1531 by Lutheran Princes and Reformers, and takes its name from the town of  Schmalkalden in Thüringen. The League was founded by Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse (1504-67) and John Frederick I, Elector of Saxony, who is pictured at the far left of the table. The Elector of Saxony is joined at the table by a host of European princes: Philip I, Duke of Brunswick-Grubenhagen; Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen; Francis, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg; and Ernest I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg; as well as members of the nobility. The League provided military and political support for Lutheran states against the counter-reformation activities of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.