Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony

Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony is a masterwork of Renaissance printmaking created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528 in 1524. Executed as an engraving in black on ivory laid paper, this print exemplifies Dürer's late style, characterized by meticulous line work and profound psychological depth. As a leading figure of the German Renaissance, Dürer elevated the status of the print medium, transforming it into a high art form capable of distributing politically and historically relevant imagery widely across Germany and Europe. The sharp detail achieved in the engraving technique allows for a careful rendering of the Elector's facial features and rich, fur-trimmed attire, capturing both the dignity and the advanced age of the sitter.

The subject, Frederick III (1463-1525), was one of the most powerful and influential German princes of the era, best known for being the protector of Martin Luther during the turbulent beginnings of the Protestant Reformation. Although the Elector died shortly after the creation of this piece, Dürer succeeded in immortalizing him in this definitive portrait. The work demonstrates Dürer’s commitment to capturing the gravity of his subjects, reflecting the political and religious tensions present in 16th-century Germany. This piece belongs to a series of significant portraits Dürer executed near the end of his life, solidifying his reputation as the preeminent Northern European printmaker.

This exceptional impression of the engraving is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Because the original matrix is now firmly established in the public domain, high-resolution prints and images of this influential work of German cultural history continue to be studied globally, confirming Dürer's lasting impact on the history of printmaking.