Abstract

Elector John Frederick I (“the Magnanimous”) of Saxony (1504-54), the eldest son of Elector John (“the Constant”), supported the Protestant cause like his father and uncle before him. To that end, he became the senior commander of the Schmalkaldic League (est. 1531). He was not a skilled politician, however, and was given to drinking. After being defeated by Imperial forces in the Schmalkaldic War of 1546-47, he lost his electoral title and had to give his territories to his cousin, Duke Moritz of Saxony.

Elector John Frederick I of Saxony, called “the Magnanimous” (after 1547)

Lucas the Elder Cranach

Source

Source: Workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder, Elector John Frederick I of Saxony, woodcut, after 1547. Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, Braunschweig, http://kk.haum-bs.de/?id=l-cranach-werkstatt-ab3-0019

HAUM

Recommended Citation

Elector John Frederick I of Saxony, called “the Magnanimous” (after 1547), published in: German History in Documents and Images, <https://germanhistorydocs.org/en/from-the-reformations-to-the-thirty-years-war-1500-1648/ghdi:image-3339> [March 28, 2025].

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