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Medal of Johann Friedrich, Duke of Saxony
(Renaissance Europe )
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.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Douglas H. Gordon, Baltimore; Walters Art Museum, 1945, by gift.
Exhibitions
| 2000 | Small Northern European Portraits from The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. National Gallery of Art, Washington. |
Conservation
| Date | Description | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| 1/31/1964 | Treatment | cleaned; coated |
| 1/13/1988 | Examination | examined for condition |
Geographies
Germany, Leipzig (Place of Origin)
Measurements
2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm) (w.)
Credit Line
Gift of Douglas H. Gordon, 1945
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
59.668