Maximilian Presented by His Patron Saints to the Almighty
1519
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1519
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Maximilian Presented by His Patron Saints to the Almighty is a 1519 by Hans Springinklee, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This print is packed with people and symbols. At the center, a king-like figure stands tall, holding a globe. Around him are smaller figures—some holding shields, others with books or swords. The background is full of tiny scenes: castles, battles, and religious icons. Latin words fill the edges, almost like a story written in code. Look closer at the faces. The king’s crown and the saints’ halos hint this is about power and faith. The artist crammed in details—like the tiny maps on the shields—to show who this king ruled. Want to see how artists packed prints with hidden meaning? Try Renaissance.
