Printed text for "The Betrothal of Philip the Fair with Joan of Castile"

Printed text for "The Betrothal of Philip the Fair with Joan of Castile" is a significant early sixteenth-century work created by the German master Albrecht Dürer in 1515. This rare piece, executed as a woodcut on laid paper, documents a major dynastic marriage of the era, focusing on the union between Philip the Fair (Philip I of Castile) and Joan of Castile (Juana la Loca). The printing was likely intended to accompany or annotate one of the visual representations of the event, ensuring wide, accurate dissemination of the historical and political details to the European populace.

Dürer was instrumental in elevating printmaking from a craft to a high art form during the crucial period of 1501 to 1550, which encompassed the height of the German Renaissance and the rise of the Reformation. The woodcut medium allowed for the efficient mass production of imagery and information, enabling German artists like Dürer to reach an unprecedentedly broad audience. Although this particular work consists solely of text, it demonstrates the artist’s comprehensive involvement in the publishing industry and his commitment to using the reproducibility of prints for both artistic and informational purposes. The crisp execution required for producing legible text in this medium confirms the technical skill of the workshop.

The political subject matter, concerning the Betrothal of two powerful Hapsburg-Burgundian figures, places the piece firmly within the context of European power dynamics of the time. While much of Dürer’s fame rests on his elaborate engravings and iconic paintings, this printed text underscores his essential role in the informational landscape of the early modern era. This seminal print currently resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Like many historical prints created before the mid-sixteenth century, this important artwork is often made available for high-resolution study and reference in the public domain.