Maximilian II, Roman Emperor 1575

Martino Rota's engraving from 1575 depicts Maximilian II, the Holy Roman Emperor, in the trappings of power. But what does this image tell us about the cultural and political landscape of the 16th century? Maximilian's status is communicated through visual codes: his fur-lined coat, the elaborate chain, and the inscription listing his many titles. Made in a period of religious conflict, Maximilian sought to unite Catholics and Protestants. The Order of the Golden Fleece, prominently displayed on the chain, was a Catholic chivalric order, yet Maximilian tolerated Protestant preachers at court. To understand this portrait fully, historians explore sources like court records, religious treatises, and personal correspondence. By studying the symbols and context, we can better understand the complex forces shaping the art and politics of the time, and also question the strategies of image-making used by those in power.