The White King Learning to Conduct a Kitchen, from Der Weisskunig 1514 - 1600

This woodcut, made by Hans Burgkmair around 1514-1516, visualizes Emperor Maximilian I as the “White King” from his autobiographical series, Der Weisskunig. In the image, Maximilian is seen learning to conduct a kitchen, highlighting the importance of practical knowledge, even for royalty. The scene is rich with cultural references to courtly life in the early 16th century Holy Roman Empire, from the fine tableware to the elaborate clothing. It's a visual representation of the values and ideals that Maximilian wanted to project, emphasizing education, diligence, and a hands-on approach to governance. By examining archival documents, court records, and contemporary accounts, we can start to reveal the complex social and political landscape of Maximilian's reign and decode the messages embedded within the artwork. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.