The Triumphal Arch of Maximilian I: Emperor Maximilian as Patron of Improvements in Artillery and Armor

1516

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

The Triumphal Arch of Maximilian I: Emperor Maximilian as Patron of Improvements in Artillery and Armor is a 1516 by Wolf Traut, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Wolf Traut
When & what style?: 1516 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

A man in shiny armor stands beside piles of helmets and guns. He holds a sword in one hand and a cannonball in the other. A sack of coins sits behind him. This woodcut shows Emperor Maximilian I showing off his role in improving weapons and armor. It’s basically a big advertisement for his military power and spending. Check out similar armor suits in the arms and armor court at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

The story of this work

Overview

Dressed in a full suit of armor, Maximilian (reigned 1486– 1519) stands among an array of helmets and weaponry. He holds a sword in one hand and a cannonball in the other, indicating both knightly skill and military power. A large sack of coins behind him alludes to his financial support of the engineers and craftsmen dedicated to the industry of war. Similar suits of armor in the Maximilian style are on view in the museum’s arms and armor court, including Maximilian’s personal suit of jousting armor. Traut created this woodcut for a monumental triumphal arch, printed with 195 woodblocks…

Read the full account in the museum source.