Artwork

The Triumphal Chariot of Maximilian I (The Great Triumphal Car) [plate 3 of 8]

The Triumphal Chariot of Maximilian I (The Great Triumphal Car) [plate 3 of 8] is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1523 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

This woodcut shows a huge, crowded chariot rolling forward with many tiny figures in armor. The scene is packed with details—horses, banners, and tiny scenes carved into every inch.

It was made for Emperor Maximilian I’s big parade in 1518. Dürer didn’t just draw the chariot—he cut the whole image into wood, then pressed it onto paper like a stamp.

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Overview

The Triumphal Chariot of Maximilian I is a woodcut print created by Albrecht Dürer in 1523 as part of a series of eight plates.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a grand, crowded chariot in motion, filled with numerous small figures in armor, horses, and banners, conveying a sense of triumphal procession.

Technique & Style

Dürer designed and cut the image into wood, which was then printed onto paper, showcasing his skill in the woodcut technique and attention to intricate detail.

History & Provenance

The work was created for Emperor Maximilian I, likely in connection with his planned parade in 1518, although it was produced a few years later.