Elector John Frederick I of Saxony, called "the Magnanimous" (c. 1533) Elector John Frederick I (“the Magnanimous”) of Saxony (1504-54), the eldest son of Elector John (“the Constant”), supported the Protestant cause like his father and uncle before him. To that end, he became the senior commander of the Schmalkaldic League (est. 1531). He was not a skilled politician, however, and was given to drinking. After being defeated by Imperial forces in the Schmalkaldic War of 1546-47, he lost his electoral title and had to give his territories to his cousin, Duke Moritz of Saxony. Woodcut by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553), c. 1533.