Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony

Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony is a definitive portrait created by the German master Albrecht Dürer in 1524. Executed as a copperplate engraving, this piece exemplifies Dürer’s unmatched precision and technical mastery of the print medium. Through meticulous line work and controlled crosshatching, Dürer captures the elderly Elector in profile, presenting a detailed character study rather than a purely idealized court image. The formal arrangement and Latin inscription reinforce the sitter’s gravitas, while the technical classification of the work as a print allowed for its wide dissemination, furthering the reputation of both the artist and the sitter during the volatile early years of the Reformation.

As one of the final major portraits Dürer executed, this engraving immortalizes a crucial figure in 16th-century European history. Frederick the Wise was instrumental in providing support and sanctuary for Martin Luther, significantly accelerating the nascent Protestant movement. The image, which captures the likeness of one of the most powerful men of the era, functions as a formal memorial, as the Elector died shortly after its creation in 1525. Dürer focuses on the solemnity and intellectual weight of the subject, emphasizing the serious political and religious decisions faced by the Elector. This impression is part of the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and its status ensures that this definitive Renaissance work remains accessible for study and appreciation, often made available through public domain initiatives.