REINHART, Hans (workshop): Germany, 1535, Ag (cast), 64 mm
Obv: Three quarter bust of Johann Friedrich. He bears a heavy
chain around his neck and holds the electoral sword in his right
hand and the electoral cap in his left. Around:
IOANNS.FRIDERICVS.ELECTOR.DVX SAXONIE.FIERI.FECIT.ETATIS SVAE.32
(Johann Friedrich, Elector of Saxony Caused this to Be Made at the
Age of 32).
Rev: Johann's full heraldic achievement on shield, ornamented
with scrolls, oak-leaf tendrils and birds' heads on the corners
SPES. MEA . IN. DEO. EST. ANNO. NOSTRI. SALVATORIS. M.D.X.X.X.V
(My Hope Is in God, in the Year of Our Savior 1535)
Note: This medal is from the workshop of the great German
medallist Hans Reinhart. It differs from that of the master in that
on Reinhart’s medal there is an inscription around his neck "XRENXALSXINXEREN"
which is cut off by the collar and which when translated in full
reads: "There is no defense against an honorable man." This
inscription is partially illegible on this specimen. It also differs
slightly on the ornamentation of the handle of the sword. The fields
of the obverse and reverse show evidence of old chasing. It is
unsigned.
The bust on the obverse is thought to have been taken from the
portrait of Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Ref: Currency of Fame p.285
For a brief biographical sketch of
Johann Friedrich I, the Magnanimous (1503-1554), Elector of Saxony
(1532-1547), see medal
by Milicz.
LINK to
Portrait of Johann Friedrich the Magnanimous
(from National Gallery)
LINK to
Biography of Johann Friedrick (from Wikipedia)