Maximilian’s Triumph

“Maximilian I and the Art of Dürer and his Contemporaries” is the title of a new exhibition in Vienna at the Albertina

The Holy-Roman emperor Maximilian I (1459 – 1519) was even for his time one of the most fascinating rulers during the beginning of the 16^th century. One of the prominent features of his rule was his flair for PR. Part of this was his constant recruitment of a series of the best artists available in his lifetime. Foremost was Albrecht Dürer, but also artists like Altdorfer and Bernhard Strigel made their mark upon the image of the emperor. The Albertina in Vienna holds a whole series of these pieces of propaganda – paintings, prints and sculptures, all in all effectful illustration of what has been termed “Trade Mark Maximilian”.

This autumn a series of paintings by Dürer, Albrecht Altdorfer, Hans Burgkmair and Berhard Striegel are showcased at the Albertina in Vienna. However, the highlight is the 50-meter long series of paintings of the “Triumph” painted by Altdorfer, Dürer and others. The frieze consist of a long series of paintings (1512 – 15) depicting the entourage of Maximilian I. The paintings were later reproduced in the form of wood prints and distributed as a visual reminder of the imperial power.

The series was never completed. However, the Albertina as well as the National Library of Austria holds the extant half of the original drawings and paintings. Recently restored it is now possible to view these originals showcased in the way in which it is believed Maximilian might have enjoyed these masterpieces.

The Albertina
Albertinaplatz 1
Vienna
14.09.2012 – 06.01.2013

Catalogue:
Emperor Maximilian I and the Age of Dürer.
By Eva Michel and Maria Luise Sternath
Prestel 2012