The Betrothal of Maximilian with Mary of Burgundy

The Betrothal of Maximilian with Mary of Burgundy by Albrecht Dürer is a significant example of German printmaking from the early 16th century. Executed in 1511, this woodcut on laid paper is part of a larger historical series commissioned to detail the life and lineage of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. As a master draftsman and innovative printmaker, Dürer successfully elevated the quality and technical complexity of the woodcut technique, allowing such sophisticated images to be reproduced and distributed widely. This particular piece captures the politically pivotal moment of the 1477 marriage agreement, which established the powerful alliance between the Habsburg and Burgundian houses.

The print focuses on the ceremonial aspects of the agreement, employing the fine detail and striking contrasts typical of Dürer's graphic work. Created during the period spanning 1501 to 1550, this historical piece functioned as powerful visual propaganda, solidifying Maximilian's legacy and justifying his territorial claims for future generations. The intricacy and scale required for a work of this nature demonstrate Dürer’s technical genius within the demanding medium of woodcut prints.

Dürer’s prolific graphic output ensured his international reputation, and the widespread circulation of images like this one made them invaluable historical records. The work is a crucial reference point for understanding both early modern political history and the height of the German Renaissance. Currently held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., the print remains an essential study piece. Due to its age and cultural importance, high-resolution reproductions of this historical art are frequently available for research and reference in the public domain.