Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony Durer Engravings (1471-1528)

The engraving presents a portrait of a man in what appears to be a formal setting. He is depicted from the chest upwards, occupying nearly the entire vertical space of the composition. The subjects gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying an impression of authority and solemnity. His facial features are rendered with meticulous detail; deep lines etch themselves around his eyes and mouth, suggesting age and experience. A full beard, neatly trimmed but substantial, frames his face, contributing to a sense of gravitas.
The man wears a dark, elaborately decorated cap, its folds and textures carefully delineated through the engraver’s skillful use of light and shadow. A richly embroidered collar adorns his neck, hinting at his high social standing. The artist has chosen a muted palette, relying primarily on shades of gray to define form and texture. This restricted tonal range emphasizes the subjects features and lends the portrait an air of austerity.
Flanking the figure are heraldic shields – one displaying a crossed sword design, the other bearing a complex coat of arms. These emblems serve as visual markers of his identity and lineage, reinforcing his position within a hierarchical structure.
Below the image, a Latin inscription is presented in a rectangular cartouche. The text appears to be a dedication or epitaph, further solidifying the portrait’s commemorative purpose. The lettering itself is executed with precision, echoing the overall meticulousness of the engraving technique.
The compositions formality and the subjects dignified demeanor suggest a deliberate attempt to portray him as a figure of importance – a ruler or individual deserving of respect and remembrance. The artist has not merely recorded his likeness; he has constructed an image intended to convey power, piety, and enduring legacy.