The Triumphal Chariot of Maximilian I (The Great Triumphal Car) [plate 2 of 8]

The Triumphal Chariot of Maximilian I (The Great Triumphal Car) [plate 2 of 8] by Albrecht Dürer is a monumental German woodcut published in 1522. This specific image is one of eight plates required to complete the massive representation of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I’s celebratory procession. As part of the Triumphal Arch and Triumphal Procession series, the work aimed to solidify Maximilian's posthumous legacy through an elaborate visual narrative based on classical Roman triumph traditions, a highly symbolic endeavor characteristic of imperial ambition during the Renaissance.

The work demonstrates Dürer’s unparalleled ability to translate complex allegorical compositions into the demanding medium of the woodcut. Created during the dynamic period between 1501 to 1550, this intricate print exemplifies the technical ambition of the German Renaissance masters. While the overall conception and design were supplied by Dürer, the actual cutting of the woodblocks was often executed by specialized craftsmen working under his close direction, demanding remarkable precision to align the massive sheets of paper required for the final, assembled image.

Plate 2 contributes significantly to the overall structure of the imperial vehicle. When joined with the other plates, the image typically depicts foundational architectural elements of the car itself or the initial group of accompanying allegorical attendants and virtues surrounding the Emperor. This edition of the renowned print is held within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of the historical age and widespread distribution of the original prints, high-quality reproductions of this masterwork are frequently found in the public domain, allowing broad access to Dürer’s significant contribution to the history of German graphic arts.