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Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony,
1524
One of Dürer’s most important patrons, Frederick the Wise (1463–1525) was a powerful Catholic ruler and collector of relics who also protected the Protestant reformer Martin Luther from his enemies when his life was endangered after he was excommunicated in 1521. Based on a drawing made by Dürer from life, this sculptural engraving shows the elderly Frederick accompanied by a tablet with a Latin inscription that praises his great piety.
Information
1524
Engraving
sheet trimmed to plate: 19.4 x 12.6 cm (7 5/8 x 4 15/16 in.)
Bequest of Jessie P. Frothingham
initials AD, at left; inscription below...Albertus Durer Nur. Faciebat. MDXXIIII