Artwork
Emperor Maximilian I in the Guise of Saint George
Emperor Maximilian I in the Guise of Saint George is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Daniel Hopfer. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:in plate, in image at left: [Hopfer family pine cone symbol] / D·H
About this work
Overview
Emperor Maximilian I in the Guise of Saint George is an iron etching print created by Daniel Hopfer, a German artist active in the early 16th century.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, dressed as Saint George, a revered Christian martyr, wearing ornate armor and holding a spear and sword. A dragon is faintly visible in the background, referencing the saint's legendary battle.
Technique & Style
Hopfer used an iron plate etched with open biting, a technique he pioneered, and applied ink in a double-biting process to achieve deeper, richer lines. The resulting print features detailed patterns and textures, showcasing Hopfer's skill in capturing intricate designs.
History & Provenance
Daniel Hopfer, who worked in both etching and woodcut, is credited with establishing the print publisher business model and utilizing iron plates, likely influenced by his background in steel plate armor production.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Daniel Hopfer (c. 1470 – 1536) was a German artist who is widely believed to have been the first to use etching in printmaking, at the end of the 15th century. He also worked in woodcut. Although his etchings were…
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