Medal of Johann Friedrich, Duke of Saxony

Description Portrait medals of the 1500s usually show the subject in profile, attesting to the influence of Roman imperial coins; however, this three-quarter portrait is adapted from a painting by Lucas Cranach (1472-1553) who produced many fine works for the dukes of Saxony. The sword that the duke holds prominently, a symbol of his power, moves beyond the "frame" in a display of pictorial illusionism. Examples of this medal, commissioned to be given as gifts, could be worn from a chain or ribbon around the neck to declare allegiance to Duke Johann Friedrich. Reinhart's medals are among some of the finest works of the German Renaissance.

Conservation

Date	Description	Narrative
1/31/1964	Treatment	cleaned; coated
1/13/1988	Examination	examined for condition

Exhibitions

• Small Northern European Portraits from The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. National Gallery of Art, Washington. 2000.

Provenance Douglas H. Gordon, Baltimore; Walters Art Museum, 1945, by gift.

Inscriptions Signed: HR

Credit Gift of Douglas H. Gordon, 1945