Maximilian and Henry VIII of England, plate 22 from Historical Scenes from the Life of Emperor Maximilian I from the Triumphal Arch

Maximilian and Henry VIII of England, plate 22 from Historical Scenes from the Life of Emperor Maximilian I from the Triumphal Arch is a pivotal historical print created by Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528) between 1515 and 1517. This detailed impression is executed as a woodcut in black ink on cream laid paper, a medium Dürer utilized extensively to democratize images and disseminate Imperial propaganda throughout 16th-century Germany. The demanding technical process of transferring Dürer’s elaborate design onto the woodblock was managed by Hieronymus Andreae, who printed the final, monumental sheets.

This plate is a single component of the massive Triumphal Arch project, a visual celebration commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I to immortalize his lineage, power, and political accomplishments. The scene captures a significant moment of diplomatic exchange between the powerful Holy Roman Emperor and the young King Henry VIII of England. Dürer’s composition skillfully conveys the elaborate courtly setting and the regal stature of the two European leaders, reflecting the era’s focus on courtly splendor and dynastic legitimacy. The resulting series of prints was intended to project the Emperor’s authority across Europe, serving as a crucial record of the Imperial court and the high standard of Northern Renaissance prints.

This important artwork is housed in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The lasting cultural significance of Dürer’s work ensures that reproductions of this influential piece of public domain art remain accessible for historical study.