Portrait of Pankraz von Freyberg zu Hohenaschau

The distinguished gentleman gazes self-confidently, even superciliously with his markedly bulging eyes. Appointed Privy Chamber Councillor by Duke Albrecht V. of Bavaria in 1550, then Hofmarschall (roughly equivalent to the U.K. Office of Lord Great Chamberlain), Pankraz von Freyberg later fell out of favour because he sympathised with the Reformation — he was accused of conspiracy and imprisoned. The Karlsruhe portrait not only depicts a remarkable man, but also attests to the painter’s psychological interest in his subject.