The Triumphal Arch of Maximilian I: The Defeat of the Hungarians

Albrecht Dürer 1471 - 1528

Summary

Battle scene. There are soldiers to the lower part of the image with pikes and shields. The embattled town is shown towards the top of the image, with ladders against the walls. At the top of the image is a section of German gothic script. The complete arch is an elaborate eulogy for Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519). It is based on the form of an antique triple arch. Although dated 1515, the first edition was produced in 1517-18. This print has been identified as being from one of the four Hieronymous Andren editions of the the historical scenes only, produced in about 1620. It has been attributed to Hans Springinklee under the direction of Albrecht Durer. See 1979.26 B for another woodcut from this print series.

Display Label

The Defeat of the Hungarians about 1620 Attributed to Hans Springinklee 1490/5-1525 Hand coloured woodcut This image is one of 174 woodcuts commissioned in 1512 as part of an immense scheme for Maximillian I. Albrecht Durer was the art director for the project and Springinklee one of his former apprentices. The woodcut medium is both cheap and durable, making it ideal for a project such as this. The hand colouring of a print would make it more costly and exclusive. Purchased 1979.26a