Maximilian and Maria of Burgundy, plate 2 from Historical Scenes from the Life of Emperor Maximilian I from the Triumphal Arch

Maximilian and Maria of Burgundy, plate 2 from Historical Scenes from the Life of Emperor Maximilian I from the Triumphal Arch is a significant early 16th-century work created by Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528) and printed by Hieronymus Andreae. This remarkable piece of German Renaissance prints utilizes the challenging medium of woodcut executed in black ink on cream laid paper. Dated between 1515 and 1517, this plate forms a small, narrative segment of the colossal Triumphal Arch project, a monumental print commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519) to glorify his imperial lineage and achievements. The complex commission involved numerous artists and designers, but Dürer served as the primary creative force, translating historical events into intricate visual compositions.

The plate specifically depicts the crucial union between Maximilian, then Archduke, and Maria of Burgundy, an alliance that fundamentally expanded the Hapsburg domain and solidified the power of the Holy Roman Empire. Dürer’s masterful execution elevates the historical record, showcasing the highly detailed, linear quality characteristic of High Renaissance German graphic arts. Unlike many contemporary artists, Dürer provided designs that were both technically demanding and visually compelling, ensuring the completed Arch would function as a powerful piece of propaganda celebrating the emperor's life. This woodcut, a superb example of early modern German visual history, is housed within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a landmark work of sixteenth-century European history, this piece often falls under the category of historical public domain art, ensuring broad accessibility for researchers and enthusiasts examining the extensive history of artistic prints in Germany.