Badge of honour of Saxon Elector Christian II

The badges of honour that the Saxon electors presented to friendly dukes, aristocrats and high-ranking courtiers were symbolic and expressed a special bond and recognition. The recipients formed elite 'societies'. The fact that these jewels were often portrayed with them and were part of the burial furnishings of the 'Electoral Society' members is evidence of how highly prized they were.The badge of honour of Christian II (1583-1611) was founded in 1601 when he became an Elector of Saxony. The obverse of the jewel is decorated with a shield with the Saxon Elector's coat of arms and the motto: A DEO / PRO IMPERIO (From God for the Empire). On the reverse, in the blue field, there is a motif of the sun (symbol of the Emperor) surrounded by six stars (electors). The plates bear the inscription: 'TIME DEUM / HONORA CAESAREM'. (Fear of God/honour to the Emperor). Above the two mottoes are the eye of providence and the elector's hat. The whole is surrounded by a wreath of rue, part of the coat of arms of Saxony. The chain on which the badge hangs consists of decorative open-work links depicting the coats of arms of the 15 Saxon provinces intertwined with the motif of a heart held in two hands with the letter C (Christian II) under the elector's hat. The jewel's symbolism thus refers to the electoral dignity of Christian II and his allegiance to the Emperor.Francis I probably received the badge from Christian II at his wedding celebrations in Dresden in 1610. At that time, the Duke of Pomerania married Sophia, sister of the Elector of Saxony.

Monika Frankowska-Makała