Maximilian as Founder and Protector of the Order of St. George; and Maximilian and the Knights of St. George Vowing a Crusade Against the Turks; with Portraits of Emperors and Kings (Maximilian's Forerunners), from the Arch of Honor, proof, dated 1515, printed 1517-18 1515

Albrecht Altdorfer created this print, "Maximilian as Founder and Protector of the Order of St. George," in 1515 using the meticulous technique of woodcut. Here, the material of the woodblock dictates the visual language. Carving away at the block's surface leaves behind a network of fine lines, lending the image its intricate detail and texture. The precision of the cut allows for a remarkable level of detail, evident in the rendering of Maximilian and his knights. The social and cultural significance of the woodcut lies in its reproducibility. As a medium, it allowed for the wide dissemination of imagery, propaganda even. This print was part of a larger project commissioned by Maximilian I to construct his own legacy as a holy roman emperor, casting him as a leader of immense importance. The choice of woodcut, rather than a more rarefied medium, underscores the intention to reach a broad audience. It reflects the dynamics of production, labor, and power in the early 16th century, reminding us of the intricate relationship between art, politics, and the means of production.