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Georg Pencz

Elector John Frederick the Magnanimous of Saxony

1543
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
40 × 30.9 cm (15.7 × 12.2 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Georg Pencz’s largescale engraving includes over a dozen coats-of-arms. Frederick and his nephew supported Martin Luther and the Reformation, through both direct financial aid as well as through their support of the artistic propaganda machine directed by Lucas Cranach and his workshop. Indeed, the floral crest at John Frederick’s right elbow represents the Luther Rose, a bold symbol of his commitment to Lutheranism.

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