Emperor Maximilian I

Emperor Maximilian I is a masterful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer in 1518. This German Renaissance print captures the likeness of the Holy Roman Emperor, a key patron of the arts and Dürer’s personal benefactor during the pivotal period of European history spanning 1501 to 1550.

The medium of the woodcut was carefully chosen by the artist and the subject, as it allowed for the wide and relatively rapid dissemination of the Emperor’s image across his vast territories, serving as an effective tool for imperial propaganda. Dürer’s precision in handling the block elevates this piece beyond simple illustration. The rich detail—particularly in the fur collar and the lines defining the Emperor’s aging face—showcases the refinement Dürer brought to printmaking, using sharp contrasts inherent to the medium to create a powerful sense of presence.

Dürer produced numerous major projects for Maximilian I, including large-scale printed works like The Triumphal Arch. This specific portrait, completed shortly before the Emperor’s death, focuses on presenting Maximilian not merely as a ruler, but as a figure of lasting historical weight. The work demonstrates the central role that prints played in visual culture during the German Reformation era, providing accessible, reproducible imagery that defined political and religious figures.

This significant example of German Renaissance art is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The lasting quality and historical importance of Dürer’s output mean that high-quality images and prints derived from this original woodcut are frequently available in the public domain, ensuring global access to this defining portrait.