The Betrothal of Philip the Fair with Joan of Castile

The print, "The Betrothal of Philip the Fair with Joan of Castile," was created by the renowned German master Albrecht Dürer in 1515. This specific work is classified as a woodcut executed on laid paper. During the period spanning 1501 to 1550, Dürer heavily focused on perfecting the art of printmaking, raising the woodcut medium from a functional illustrative tool to a sophisticated artistic form comparable to engraving.

This piece commemorates the politically significant marriage of Philip the Fair, Duke of Burgundy and later King of Castile, and Joan of Castile (known historically as Juana la Loca). Their union in 1496 ultimately solidified the foundation of the powerful Habsburg dynasty in Spain. Although the event took place nearly two decades prior, Dürer’s interpretation provides a detailed visual record of the pomp and intricate heraldry associated with this major European alliance. As a key figure in the German Renaissance, Dürer utilized his skill in composition to manage the complex scene involving royalty, clergy, and witnesses, balancing detailed figure work with the strong black-and-white contrasts inherent to the woodcut technique.

The technical execution characteristic of Dürer’s later prints is evident in The Betrothal of Philip the Fair with Joan of Castile, making it an important example of Renaissance graphic work. The mastery demonstrated in utilizing sharp lines to create volume and texture confirmed Dürer’s status as Europe’s foremost printmaker. The careful preservation of this 1515 woodcut allows contemporary audiences to study the evolving standards of print production in the early sixteenth century. This exceptional example of German artistry from the period resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a historical artwork, high-resolution scans and prints of this masterwork are frequently available within the public domain for research and study.