Joshua, David and Judas Maccabaeus
1516
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Hans Burgkmair the Elder
Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) was a German artist, born in Augsburg.
See the richer artist page1516
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Joshua, David and Judas Maccabaeus is a 1516 ink by Hans Burgkmair the Elder, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This woodcut shows three men in fancy armor and hats, standing close together. The middle figure holds a round shield with a design on it. Their clothes have lots of detailed patterns, and the background has small animals and a rocky ground. The text at the top names them as Joshua, David, and Judas Maccabeus. The artist used sharp lines to create depth and texture, a trick common in woodcuts. This piece was made in 1516, showing how Renaissance artists mixed religious stories with detailed craftsmanship. Next, look up woodcut to see how this printing method shaped art history.
Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) was a German artist, born in Augsburg.
See the richer artist page
