Frederick III , Elector of Saxony
Elector of Saxony
Years: 1463 - 1525
Frederick III of Saxony (17 January 1463 – 5 May 1525), also known as Frederick the Wise (German "Friedrich der Weise"), is Elector of Saxony (from the House of Wettin) from 1486 to his death.
Frederick is the son of Ernest, Elector of Saxony and his wife Elizabeth, 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.
He 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 is Lucas Cranach the Elder.
