Who painted Augustus Hertzog zu Sachsen?

Augustus Hertzog zu Sachsen was painted by Jakob Lucius the Elder in 1564.

Where can I see Augustus Hertzog zu Sachsen?

Augustus Hertzog zu Sachsen is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Augustus Hertzog zu Sachsen?

Augustus Hertzog zu Sachsen is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Augustus Hertzog zu Sachsen

Jakob Lucius the Elder , 1564

Augustus Hertzog zu Sachsen is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jakob Lucius the Elder. It dates from 1564 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work titled Augustus Hertzog zu Sachsen is a woodcut print executed on laid paper in 1564. It was produced by the artist known as Lucius the Elder, Jakob. The image presents a bearded male figure in a dark, patterned robe, holding a book and a rosary against a subtly striped background.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is portrayed with scholarly and devotional attributes: a book in his right hand signifies learning or authority, while the rosary in his left suggests piety. The prominent beard and formal attire convey status, aligning the portrait with the conventions of Renaissance portraiture that emphasize both intellectual and religious virtues.

Technique & Style

Created as a woodcut, the image relies on carved lines and textures to render the intricate fabric patterns and the delicate shading of the background. The use of laid paper provides a faint ribbed texture that interacts with the ink, enhancing the contrast between the dark robe and the lighter striped backdrop.

History & Provenance

The print dates to the mid‑sixteenth century, a period when woodcut portraiture was a common means of disseminating images of notable individuals. While specific ownership records are not detailed, the work is attributed to Lucius the Elder, Jakob, an artist active in the Renaissance era.

Context

In the broader context of 1560s German art, woodcuts served both decorative and documentary purposes, often circulating portraits of aristocracy and clergy. The combination of scholarly and devotional symbols reflects the intertwined roles of education and faith in the cultural milieu of the Holy Roman Empire.