Johann Friedrich, 1503-1554, Elector of Saxony 1532 [obverse] 1535

This silver medal of Johann Friedrich, Elector of Saxony, was created by Hans Reinhart the Elder around 1532. The medal provides a glimpse into the turbulent period of the early Reformation. Johann Friedrich was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, a defender of Martin Luther, and a leader in the Schmalkaldic League, a military alliance of Protestant states within the Holy Roman Empire. Here, Johann Friedrich is portrayed not only as a ruler but as a protector of the faith, a defender of the Reformation. Look at how he is holding the sword – an emblem of his secular power and his resolve to protect his religious beliefs. The wreath symbolizes honor and triumph, likely alluding to his role in the religious conflicts of the time. Portraits like this were crucial in shaping and maintaining the image of rulers, especially during times of religious and political upheaval. This medal, a potent symbol of power and religious conviction, reflects the intersection of personal faith and political duty in a fractured Europe.