Currently not on view

Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony,

1524

Albrecht Dürer, 1471–1528; born and died Nuremberg, Germany
x1949-210

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

Title
Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony
Dates

1524

Medium

Engraving

Dimensions

sheet trimmed to plate: 19.4 x 12.6 cm (7 5/8 x 4 15/16 in.)

Credit Line

Bequest of Jessie P. Frothingham

Object Number
x1949-210
Inscription

initials AD, at left; inscription below...Albertus Durer Nur. Faciebat. MDXXIIII

Reference Numbers
Bartsch 104; M. 102
Culture
Subject