2-913-737 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

John, King of Saxony, 1854. Portrait of King Johann during whose reign Saxony became a part of the German Empire. 'The bulk of the population of Saxony are Protestant; while the Court professes the Roman Catholic religion. Not content with a negative antagonism to the faith of the people, Duke John always distinguished himself as a violent, and even a bigoted, partisan of the ultra-pretensions of the Roman Catholic Church...if he gives rein to his ultra-Catholic tendencies, and joins in the effort of the Court of Rome to extend its spiritual dominion, as it has done in Baden and Bavaria - he will, in all [probability], perpetuate towards himself, as King, the sentiments of hatred which were so liberally bestowed on him as heir-presumptive'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.