The Battle at Nauders, from "Der Weisskunig"

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Hans Burgkmair the (1473–1531), a leading German artist of the Northern Renaissance, created *The Battle at Nauders as part of the grand illustrated biography *Der Weisskunig ("The White King"). Commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, this unfinished work chronicled the emperor's life through vivid woodcut prints, blending biography, propaganda, and epic storytelling. Burgkmair's contributions captured key military triumphs, showcasing his mastery of detailed, dynamic compositions that elevated woodcuts from mere illustration to high art. This print depicts the dramatic Battle at Nauders (likely from Maximilian's Swiss campaigns around 1499), highlighting the emperor's valor amid clashing armies, fluttering banners, and rugged Alpine terrain. As a classified print—probably a woodcut—its significance lies in the medium's accessibility, allowing widespread dissemination of imperial glory during the Renaissance. Though dated 1775, it reflects a later edition of Burgkmair's originals, preserving 16th-century techniques like intricate line work and tonal shading for narrative intensity. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum through the bequest of George Campbell Cooper, this piece invites visitors to ponder how art immortalized power and history, bridging medieval chivalry with early modern printmaking innovation.