Upright format, divided horizontally. In the top section is a half-length portrait of the aged Elector of Saxony, Friedrich III (1463-1525, Elector since 1586), also known as Friedrich the Wise. A printed eulogy has been attached to the panel in the lower section. On the top right there is a
Upright format, divided horizontally. In the top section is a half-length portrait of the aged Elector of Saxony, Friedrich III (1463-1525, Elector since 1586), also known as Friedrich the Wise. A printed eulogy has been attached to the panel in the lower section. On the top right there is a further inscription on paper: 'Friderich der Drit/ Chur-/ furst und Hertzog zu Sachssen'.
The signed portrait complies with the common basic pattern employed for the many portraits of Friedrich III produced by the Cranach workshop: the elector is depicted against a blue background, facing right, he wears a black beret and a fur trimmed coat over a white shirt; the grey tone of his hair and beard indicate the advanced years of the sitter.
The text below, which is written in verse acknowledges the particular merits of the regent: such prudent policies intended to avoid war, which brought him the nickname ¿the Wise` ; the founding in 1502 of the University of Wittenberg, where Luther lectured from 1508, which he sponsored from the early stages of the Reformation until his death (however more for political reasons than theological ones); the weakening of the papacy and the return of the 'correct' faith through the Reformation; the renunciation to become Maximilians II. successor and the significant influence he exercised with respect to the choice of Charles V.
[Karin Geiger, Historisches Museum der Stadt Regensburg, 2011]
- Attributions
-
Workshop Lucas Cranach the Elder
Lucas Cranach the Elder
Attributions
| Workshop Lucas Cranach the Elder | [Historisches Museum der Stadt Regensburg, revised 2011] |
| Lucas Cranach the Elder | [Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, revised 2011] |
- Production date
- 1532
Production date
| 1532 | [dated] |
- Dimensions
- Dimensions of support: 22 x 17 cm
Dimensions
Dimensions of support: 22 x 17 cm
[Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, revised 2011]
- Signature / Dating
Artist's insignia on the left edge: winged serpent with elevated wings and dated '1532'; in black paint
Signature / Dating
Artist's insignia on the left edge: winged serpent with elevated wings and dated '1532'; in black paint
[Historisches Museum der Stadt Regensburg, revised 2011]
- Inscriptions and Labels
-
in the top right corner: inscription printed on paper and attached to the panel with glue:
'Friderich der Drit/ …Inscriptions and Labels
Inscriptions, Badges:
- in the top right corner:
inscription printed on paper and attached to the panel with glue:
'Friderich der Drit/ Chur-/ furst und Hertzog zu / Sachssen'
- on the lower half of the panel, in verse:
'Fridrich bin ich billich genand. Schönen frid ich erhielt im land. Durch gros vernunfft/ gedult und glück Widder manchen ertzbösen tück. Das land ich zieret mit gebew Und Stifft ein hohe Schul auffs new. Zu Wittemberg im Sachssen land Inn der welt die ward bekand. Denn aus der selb kam Gottes wort Und thet gros ding an manchem ort. Das Bepstlich reich störtzt es nidder. Und bracht rechten glauben widder. Zum Keisar ward erkorn ich Des mein alter beschweret sich. Dafur ich Keisar Carl erwelt Von dem mich nicht wand gonst noch gelt.'
Stamps, Seals, Labels:
Reverse of the panel: - top left:
Label printed with a coat-of-arms: 'Nr. [printed], 210 [handwritten], 1827 [printed]'
- bottom right:
Printed label: 'Bayerische-Staats-Gemälde-Sammlungen Inv.-Nr.' and stamp; handwritten: 'W.A.F 184, Lucas Cranach, Friedrich der Weise von Sachsen'
[Historisches Museum der Stadt Regensburg, revised 2011]
- Owner
- Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen
- Repository
- Historisches Museum der Stadt Regensburg
- Location
- Regensburg
- CDA ID
- DE_BStGS-HMR_WAF184
- FR (1978) Nr.
- FR-none
- Persistent Link
- https://lucascranach.org/en/DE_BStGS-HMR_WAF184/
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