Artwork

Printed text for "The Betrothal of Philip the Fair with Joan of Castile"

Printed text for "The Betrothal of Philip the Fair with Joan of Castile" is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Albrecht Dürer’s woodcut, dated 1515, depicts the betrothal ceremony of Philip the Fair and Joan of Castile. Executed on laid paper, the print presents a centrally placed couple in formal Renaissance dress, set against a stark background that directs focus to the figures and their ceremonial exchange.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures the moment of marital alliance between the Spanish princess Joan of Castile and the future Holy Roman Emperor Philip the Fair. Their attire, richly detailed, signals the political and dynastic significance of the union, while the composed posture underscores the solemnity of the occasion.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed the woodcut process, carving the design into a block of wood and printing it onto laid paper. The medium allows for fine line work that renders intricate patterns on the garments, creating a tactile sense of texture and depth uncommon in contemporary prints.

History & Provenance

Created in the early sixteenth century, the print was likely intended for dissemination as a commemorative illustration of the royal marriage. It forms part of Dürer’s broader oeuvre of portraiture and documentary prints, reflecting his engagement with courtly events and the spread of printed imagery across Europe.