The Betrothal of Maximilian with Mary of Burgundy

The Betrothal of Maximilian with Mary of Burgundy, executed by the master craftsman Albrecht Dürer in 1515, is a profound example of German Renaissance printmaking designed to serve imperial interests. This historic woodcut, printed on laid paper, commemorates the politically essential 1477 marriage between Maximilian I of Austria, heir to the Holy Roman Empire, and Mary, Duchess of Burgundy. Dürer created this monumental image as one element within a grand, ultimately uncompleted series commissioned by the emperor himself to glorify the Habsburg lineage and celebrate its triumphs.

The execution of this piece demonstrates Dürer’s characteristic technical skill in the demanding medium of woodcut. Produced during the German period of 1501 to 1550, the work reflects the Northern Renaissance’s focus on detailed narrative and complex political allegory. Dürer utilized strong, decisive contour lines and intricate systems of cross-hatching and modeling, techniques which dramatically enhanced the expressive potential and visual quality of mass-reproducible prints during the early 16th century, establishing a new standard for the medium across Europe.

The composition focuses on the exchange of vows, clearly emphasizing the regal stature of the two figures whose union resulted in the joining of powerful European domains. This type of carefully constructed imperial documentation was crucial for shaping public perception of the burgeoning Habsburg dynasty. The meticulous detail and complex iconography typical of Dürer elevate the simple woodblock process into high art and underscore the importance of the political arrangement it celebrates. This outstanding impression of The Betrothal of Maximilian with Mary of Burgundy is currently housed within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, preserving this essential example of early 16th-century prints for contemporary study.