Theuerdank Walking on Swords, from [Theuerdank] Die geuerlicheiten vnd einsteils der geschichten des loblichen streytparen vnd hochberümbten helds vnd Ritters herr Tewrdannckhs 1517

Hans Burgkmair created this woodcut, titled *Theuerdank Walking on Swords*, as part of the *Theuerdank* series. The composition is stark, rendered almost entirely in black ink on a pale ground. This is where the narrative tension lies. Our protagonist stands precariously on a bed of swords, a literal and symbolic minefield. To the left, another figure, a witness, observes the daring feat. The forest behind adds a sense of depth, yet its monochromatic rendering flattens the space, emphasizing the immediate danger of the foreground. Burgkmair’s stark imagery operates on multiple levels. There is a structural and semiotic exploration of risk and prowess. The swords, arranged in a radial pattern, create a visual field of danger, which the protagonist transcends. It’s an overt display of power, and, in the context of early 16th century print culture, an explicit demonstration of a particular kind of heroism. The choice of woodcut, with its capacity for sharp contrast and graphic clarity, amplifies the drama. The image persists as a testament to the artist's understanding of form, and how it can be employed to shape meaning.