Elector Frederick III of Saxony, from Speculum intellectuale felicitatis humane
Wolf Traut
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.
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.