The King of Feuereisen and His Only Daughter, from Der Weisskunig 1514 - 1600

Hans Burgkmair made this woodcut, "The King of Feuereisen and His Only Daughter," in the early 16th century. It's an illustration from "Der Weisskunig," a book commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I, part of a broader effort to immortalize the Habsburg dynasty through art and literature. Burgkmair's image presents a regal interior, complete with elaborate textiles, classical columns, and heraldic motifs. Here we see how Maximilian sought to craft a specific image of himself and his lineage, associating his family with power and wealth. The details of dress and setting reflect the social hierarchy of the time, reinforcing the idea of a divinely ordained social order. To truly understand this image, one might delve into archival sources, examining court records, letters, and inventories. These resources help contextualize the political aspirations of Maximilian, as well as the artistic conventions employed in the service of imperial propaganda. In this way, the image offers a window into the complex interplay between art, power, and identity in early modern Europe.