Artwork
Charlemagne, Arthur and Godfrey
Charlemagne, Arthur and Godfrey is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans Burgkmair the Elder. It dates from 1516 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Charlemagne, Arthur and Godfrey is a 1516 woodcut print by Hans Burgkmair I, depicting three armored figures against a landscape background.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays three legendary rulers: Charlemagne (left, crowned, with long sword), King Arthur (center, shield with cross), and Godfrey of Bouillon (right, fleur-de-lis shield), each symbolizing medieval ideals of kingship and chivalry.
Technique & Style
Executed in black ink on laid paper, the woodcut showcases Burgkmair's mastery through intricate armor textures, detailed clothing, and nuanced environmental elements, demonstrating the artist's skill in the medium.
History & Provenance
Created in 1516 by Hans Burgkmair I, a prominent figure in the Nuremberg Renaissance, the woodcut's specific ownership history is not detailed here, reflecting the artist's broader contribution to the period's print culture.
Context
This work reflects the early 16th-century European fascination with legendary and historical leaders, blending religious (cross) and secular (fleur-de-lis, crown) symbols to appeal to a broad audience interested in chivalric and royal heritage.
Legacy
As part of Burgkmair's oeuvre, the print contributes to the artist's reputation for detailed, thematic woodcuts, influencing subsequent generations of printmakers in capturing complex scenes with depth and symbolism.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) was a German artist, born in Augsburg.
