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Johann Friedrich the Magnanimous, Elector of Saxony and Emperor Charles V hunting
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Johann Friedrich the Magnanimous, Elector of Saxony and Emperor Charles V hunting
XIR498129 Johann Friedrich the Magnanimous, Elector of Saxony and Emperor Charles V hunting deer near Hartenfels Castle, Torgau, 1544 (oil on panel) (detail of 38682) by Cranach, Lucas, the Elder (1472-1553); Prado, Madrid, Spain; (add.info.: Johann Friedrich (1503-54) is depicted top left in a white and black striped coat and the Emperor Charles V (1500-58) is shown in a black jacket and hat with a white feather; Cranach and his workshop made several paintings with similar hunting scenes and probably they were commissioned by Johann Friedrich (1503-54) to give to other German princes in the 1540s; there is also an allegorical meaning since hunting was a symbol of good government and is therefore an allusion to harmony and collaboration between rulers; Johann Friedrich was a strong supporter of Luther and the Protestant Reformation and would later be imprisoned by Charles V in 1547 after the defeat at the battle of MAOEhlberg of the Lutheran Schmalkaldic League of Protestant princes by the Catholic princes of the Holy Roman Empire; however in 1544 there appeared to be a good relationship between the Emperor and the Elector;
); German, out of copyright
Media ID 12916118
© www.bridgemanimages.com
Blood Carlos Crossbow Crossbows Deer Elector Honneur Horsemen Hunters John Frederick Luther Magnanimous Protestantism Reformation Stag Stags Johann Friedrich Muehlberg Torgau
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a historic moment in time, showcasing the meeting of two powerful figures: Johann Friedrich the Magnanimous, Elector of Saxony, and Emperor Charles V. The scene depicts them engaged in a thrilling hunt for deer near Hartenfels Castle in Torgau, Germany, back in 1544. In this detailed oil painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder, we see Johann Friedrich standing tall on the top left corner wearing a distinctive white and black striped coat. On the other side stands Emperor Charles V donning a black jacket and hat adorned with a white feather. Both men exude authority and confidence as they partake in this shared activity. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this artwork holds deeper symbolic meaning. Hunting was often seen as an allegory for good governance during that era. Thus, this image alludes to harmony and collaboration between rulers - an important message considering Johann Friedrich's staunch support for Martin Luther's Protestant Reformation. However, history would later take its course when Charles V imprisoned Johann Friedrich after their defeat at the Battle of Mühlberg in 1547. Yet at this particular moment captured by Cranach's brushstrokes, there seemed to be amicable relations between these influential figures. This remarkable print offers us not only a glimpse into an intriguing historical event but also serves as a testament to art's ability to immortalize significant moments from our past.
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