Elector Frederick III of Saxony, from Speculum intellectuale felicitatis humane

Wolf Traut

Created:
Movement:
1510
Renaissance
key Notes:
Renaissance Portraiture Electoral Authority
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Dimensions:
Image/block: 12.7 × 9.6 cm (5 × 3 13/16 in.)
medium:
Woodcut in black on ivory laid paper
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

The painting "Elector Frederick III of Saxony, from Speculum intellectuale felicitatis humane" is a woodcut by Wolf Traut, based on a design by Lucas Cranach the Elder, and was published by Hieronymus Höltzel. It depicts Frederick III, Elector of Saxony, a significant patron of the arts and supporter of Martin Luther, reflecting the intersection of political power and intellectual thought during the early 16th century in Germany.

Description of the work:

The woodcut "Elector Frederick III of Saxony, from Speculum intellectuale felicitatis humane" by Wolf Traut, after Lucas Cranach the Elder, presents a detailed and dignified portrayal of Elector Frederick III, characterized by strong linearity and intricate detailing typical of early 16th-century German printmaking. The composition, executed in black on ivory laid paper, emphasizes the elector's authoritative presence through the use of bold contours and a balanced arrangement of forms, reflecting the stylistic influences of Cranach's workshop.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Elector Frederick III of Saxony, from Speculum intellectuale felicitatis humane