Elector John Frederick the Magnanimous of Saxony
1543
Medium
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Image: 40 × 30.9 cm (15 3/4 × 12 3/16 in.); Sheet: 40.4 × 31.2 cm (15 15/16 × 12 5/16 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
8396
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Georg Pencz’s largescale engraving includes over a dozen coats-of-arms. Frederick and his nephew supported Martin Luther and the Reformation, through both direct financial aid as well as through their support of the artistic propaganda machine directed by Lucas Cranach and his workshop. Indeed, the floral crest at John Frederick’s right elbow represents the Luther Rose, a bold symbol of his commitment to Lutheranism.
About the Artist
Georg Pencz · 1490–1550
Comment on works: Religious; History; Portraits