Music, Morality, and Mayhem: Anton Möller the Elder’s Drawings from Marienburg (1587)

Anton Möller the Elder’s drawings from Marienburg (1587) reveal a nuanced exploration of music's dual role in shaping moral character during the Northern Renaissance. Through detailed analysis, the study uncovers how Möller employs symbolism to contrast the destructive influence of music and revelry—depicted in 'Folk Fair before Marienburg'—with its redemptive potential in 'An Elegant Reception with Christburg Castle.' The research identifies Möller’s reliance on Northern Renaissance artistic conventions, particularly in depicting musicians as catalysts for vice or virtue. This work bridges a gap in English-language scholarship by delving into the moral and ideological underpinnings of Möller’s art, offering new insights into Lutheran values and their visual representation.

Peppers, E. (2026). Music, Morality, and Mayhem: Anton Möller the Elder’s Drawings from Marienburg (1587). Arts, 15(2), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/arts15020026