Printed text for "The Betrothal of Maximilian with Mary of Burgundy"

Printed text for "The Betrothal of Maximilian with Mary of Burgundy," created by Albrecht Dürer in 1515, is an exemplary work of German Renaissance printmaking. Executed as a woodcut on laid paper, this piece demonstrates the high quality and complexity Dürer brought to graphic arts during the expansive period of 1501 to 1550.

The subject matter relates directly to the establishment and legitimization of the Habsburg dynasty, focusing on the crucial political marriage between Emperor Maximilian I and Mary of Burgundy. This print represents the documentation required for a monumental project often commissioned by the Emperor to solidify his legacy through reproducible media. While much of Dürer's renown stems from the visual complexity of his imagery, this specific sheet contains the necessary printed text that contextualized and complemented the larger pictorial series to which it belonged.

Dürer, considered the preeminent artist of the German Renaissance, elevated the humble woodcut from simple illustration to a sophisticated, valuable work of art. His mastery of the medium revolutionized how prints were viewed and distributed across Europe, influencing subsequent generations of German artists. The importance of reproducible art, such as this piece, underscores the vital role prints played in disseminating historical narratives and propaganda in the early 16th century.

This impression of the work is classified as a print and is preserved within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a culturally significant piece from the early 16th century, the image and accompanying text relating to The Betrothal of Maximilian with Mary of Burgundy are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring its continued study alongside other major European prints.