Maximiliaan I

Maximiliaan I is a seminal print created by German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer between 1517 and 1521. Rendered on paper, this work of graphic arts serves as an enduring portrait of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, a crucial patron of the arts and architecture in the early sixteenth century.

Dürer, a towering figure in the Northern Renaissance, revolutionized printmaking, elevating the medium from simple illustration to fine art. Produced during the height of the artist’s career, the piece exemplifies the profound psychological depth and detailed line work that characterized his portraiture. The specific printmaking technique utilized—whether woodcut or engraving—would have determined the scale of its production, ensuring the Emperor’s likeness could be widely disseminated across the German territories and beyond. Such collaboration between Dürer and Maximilian was extensive, focused largely on grand imperial commissions designed to solidify and communicate the Emperor's authority and legacy.

This exceptional example of early 16th-century portraiture and German artistry is preserved within the distinguished collection of the Rijksmuseum. The ability to mass-produce the image enabled the Emperor’s countenance to reach a broad audience, serving as a powerful tool for imperial propaganda. Today, high-resolution scans and prints of works like Maximiliaan I are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued scholarly and public access to Dürer’s unparalleled contribution to graphic arts.