Artwork
Der Weisskunig (The White King): The Siege of Padua
Der Weisskunig (The White King): The Siege of Padua is a print by the Renaissance artist Hans Burgkmair the Elder. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Der Weisskunig (The White King): The Siege of Padua is a woodcut illustration from a fictionalized biography of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, blending historical and romantic elements in a courtly romance narrative.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a medieval battle scene, symbolizing Maximilian's (the White King) conflicts, notably against the Blue King, representing France, to convey imperial authority and ideology.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut, the piece reflects the early Renaissance use of printed images for mass dissemination, characterized by detailed, linear depictions of armored knights and horses.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by Maximilian I, this work is part of a larger sponsored print project, created by a collaborative team of advisors, authors, designers, and craftsmen during his reign (1486–1519).
Context
Der Weisskunig represents an innovative Renaissance practice where rulers leveraged printed media to shape public perception, distinguishing Maximilian as a pioneer in this form of political and personal branding.
Legacy
As one of Maximilian's key print endeavors, Der Weisskunig contributes to the historical significance of early Renaissance propaganda and the evolution of illustrated books in political discourse.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) was a German artist, born in Augsburg.
The Storming of Nantes
The Battle of Padua
Execution of a Man at a Market-Place of a Town
Various Men Kneeling on a Bridge in front of a Town
First Flemish Rebellion
The War at Hainault
The Great Tournament: Munich
The Prince at the Bird-Catching
The Adoration of the Shepherds
View of Steyr on Enns
Imaginary Landscape with an Amorous Couple
The Battle Against the Blue Company