Lot 223

THE TRIUMPHAL CHARIOT OF EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN

A reduced version of Dürer's woodcut from eight blocks in the original length of over two metres. The original print was the design for a monumental fresco. The chariot is driven by ratio ("reason") and the horses are controlled by nobilitas ("nobility") and potentia ("strength"). The wheels of the chariot, which are decorated with Maximilian's symbols, a spread eagle and Burgundian firesteels, are named "magnificentia", "dignitas", "gloria" and "honor".