The artwork named “Friedrich III, the Wise, Elector of Saxony” was created by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1532 in Germany. This portrait, using the medium of oil on a panel, is a notable piece from the Northern Renaissance art movement. Currently housed at the Regensburg Museum of History in Regensburg, Germany, this painting is a significant representation of its genre, portraiture, capturing the likeness and authority of Friedrich III.
In the artwork, the subject Friedrich III, clad in a dark fur-lined robe and black cap, gazes solemnly to the side. His detailed facial features, complete with a robust beard and contemplative expression, emphasize his wisdom and stature. The background is starkly simple, bringing attention to the dignified figure’s face and attire. Below the portrait, an inscription in German is meticulously laid out, adding context and significance to the portrayal. The intricate strokes and refined realism of the painting exhibit Cranach the Elder’s mastery and contribute to the overall historic and artistic value of the piece.
