← Albrecht Dürer

The Triumphal Chariot of Maximilian I (The Great Triumphal Car)

Original title: The Triumphal Chariot of Maximilian I (The Great Triumphal Car)

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Date

probably finished ca. 1518, published 1522

Medium

Woodcut

Dimensions

image: 17 7/8 x 12 1/16 in. (45.4 x 30.6 cm) sheet: 19 1/2 x 13 1/4 in. (49.5 x 33.7 cm)

Credit line

Gift of Junius Spencer Morgan, 1919

kurzbeschreibung

Created around 1518 and published in 1522, this woodcut by Albrecht Dürer presents the magnificent triumphal chariot of Emperor Maximilian I. Allegorical figures, including Clemency and Truth, sit enthroned on the vehicle, while coats of arms, ornaments, and emblems are arranged around it.

Description

An elaborately decorated chariot dominates the image, covered with ornaments, coats of arms, and symbols. Several figures have taken their places on it, among them a woman embodying Clemency and another representing Truth. Beside them appears a figure understood as an allegory of Justice. The vehicle is crowned by an eagle, standing for power and victory. At the bottom edge, the words 'MAGNIFICENTIA' and 'PERSEVERANTIA' can be read.

Context

Emperor Maximilian I commissioned the triumphal chariot and entrusted Dürer with the design of his triumphal procession. The print was probably completed around 1518, but only appeared in print in 1522. It belonged to a large-scale publication project intended to enhance the emperor's fame. The woodcut testifies to the collaboration between Dürer and the imperial court.

Impact

The precise linework and rich ornamentation give the print a solemn, representative character. The triumphal chariot appears monumental, thus emphasizing imperial power and splendor. The allegories and symbols encourage close looking and convey ideals of rulership.

Technique

Auf diesem Blatt zeigt sich Druckfarbe auf Papier, in gleichmäßigem, mattem Schwarz aufgebracht, das dem Träger seine Struktur lässt. Die fein abgestuften Linien und Schraffuren bleiben klar lesbar, ohne zu verlaufen, und verleihen der Darstellung ihre präzise, zeichnerische Wirkung. Das Papier selbst erscheint eben und ungebrochen, sodass die Linienführung Dürers unmittelbar hervortritt.

AI-generated description text

Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)