Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-11-29
Reformation Carieatures.

A writer in the DuBHn Uairersiy
Magazine says
"At the period of the reformation
two satirists distinguished themselves
on opposite sides. Thomas Murner,
born at Strasburg in 1875, was in his
childhood a cripple, yet he appears to
have recovered the use of his limbs later
in life At the end of the century he be-
came master of arts in the University Of
Paris, and subsequently entered the
franciscan Order. His fame as a Ger
man poet promoted him to the rank of
laurerte to the Emperor of Germany
He obtained the title of Doctor Of The
ology in 1909. He is best known by
his satirieal writings, which we're directed
against the vices of all ranks, clerical
and secular, not sparing the highest
church dignitaries. However, when
Luther began to be heard Of, he assailed
him and his party, his pieces being en-
bellished with vigorous woOdeuts. He
himself is frequently represented in these
designs ia the dress of i. Franciscan
friar, and with cats head He was in
vited to London by Bluff King Hal,
cordially entertained, and on his return
to France he communicated an additional
infusion of vinergar to his satire. The
chief cf his early works is the 'Narren-
beschwerung Conspiracy of Fools,)
I503-1512." One of the illustrations
represented Folly presenting for com
petition the prize of a eapaciOus fools
cap, which seems eagerly coveted by the
Pope, the Emperor, and other magnates.
In another, Folly, in the garb of a
husbandman, is sowing young fools
broadcast, and plentiful crop of mature
ones is springing up in his wake. These
illustrations are very vigorously ex-
ecuted.
Hans Sachs was the satirical cham
pion of Luther's party. He was rest
less genius, and wandered from city to
city, composing verses on the interest
inc topics of the moment and singing
them In the street. In 1919 he married
and settled in Noremberg, and thence
forward his effusiOns were issued through
the press They consisted of songs,
ballads, satires and dramatic. pieces, rude
in style, in accordance with the taste Of
the time, but full of eleverness. Many
of them were printed on broadsides and
illustrated with large engrayings on
wood. In one Of his illustrations a
couple of ladies, established behind
large ornamented wedding ring, are en-
sharing gentlemen decorated with the
unfailing FOOLS cap. One Is already
secured and lying helpless another,
Just being pinned, is loudly protesting
against his hard fortune a third, flying
in the air, seems bent on plunge, and
a crowd of noble people are looking on
and. apparently approving of the pro-
eeedings Of the fair biFdoatchers.
''As we advance upon our researches
we find great improvement in the skill
and ability of the artists. The combat
was kept up by the hostile writers and
draughtsmen in spirit of intense sava-
gery-no amenity, no respect. There is
a curious plate preserved by Jaime in
his 'Musee de Caricature, in which the
artists prejudices can only be guessed
at. Luther on one side, Calvin on the
other, are both engaged in pulling the
Pope's hair. He has hand laid on the
head of each, it is not easy to say with
what intent, but they pay no attention,
being intent on worrying each other.
Luther has seized on Calvin's beard and
is pulling it vigorously, while the latter
meditates blow yith heavy Bible on
the nose of bis tormentor."