Frederick III, Elector of Saxony

Who was Frederick III, Elector of Saxony?

Frederick III of Saxony, also known as Frederick the Wise, was Elector of Saxony from 1486 to his death. Frederick was the son of Ernest, Elector of Saxony and his wife Elisabeth, daughter of Albert III, Duke of Bavaria. He is notable as being one of the most powerful early defenders of Martin Luther, Lutheranism and the Protestant Reformation although he had little personal contact with Luther himself. He is considered to have remained a Roman Catholic all his life, yet gradually inclining toward doctrines of the Reformation.

Frederick III is commemorated as a Christian ruler in the Calendar of Saints of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod on 5 May. His court painter since 1504 was Lucas Cranach the Elder.