Great Triumphal Chariot of Maximilian I

Illustrated by Albrecht Dürer

 

 

Dürer worked on the Great Triumphal Chariot of Maximilian I from 1512. His long-time collaborator, Willibald Pirckheimer,

compiled the iconographic program of the image according to the ideas expressed by Emperor Maximilian.

 

Throughout the nearly 2.5m length of the image - comprising eight blocks - twelve horses pull the four-wheeled chariot on

which Emperor Maximilian is seated. Maximilian is shown wearing the coronation mantle, and the imperial crown, holding

the sceptre in his right hand and a palm branch in his left. Further imperial symbols - the sword and the imperial orb - are

placed on a cushion in front of him.

 

The horses and chariot are surrounded by 22 allegorical female figures - one of them, Victory, holds a wreath above

Maximilian's head (the text on her wings refers to the Emperor's wars). The glorified Emperor is surrounded by four figures

representing Virtues: Justice; Temperance; Fortitude; and Prudence. Each of the Virtues hold wreaths, which symbolise

Justice, Gentleness, Goodness, Equality, Tenderness, Piety, Consideration and Steadfastness. On both sides, the carriage is

followed by other Virtues: Security; Confidence; Gravity; and Perseverance. It is driven by Ratio - the representative of

Reason - with reins marked 'Nobility' and 'Power'. The four wheels symbolise Honour, Glory, Magnificence and Dignity.

Lions, gryphons, eagles and dragons fill the chariot - which, itself, represents the Emperor's might (in addition to traditional

representations of knightly symbols). Six further pairs of Virtues lead the horses: Providence and Moderation; Eagerness and

Fitness; Firmness and Quickness; Virility and Keenness; Magnanimity and Courage; and, leading the procession, Experience

and Cleverness.

 

 

How to purchase our Greeting Cards and Fine Art Posters

 

When presented on Greeting Cards, each image is presented as a tipped-on plate - in hommage to the hand-crafted

approach typical of prestige illustrated publications produced in the early decades of the 20th Century. Each card is

hand-finished, with the image presented on White card stock with an accompanying envelope. On the rear of each

card we also present some information about Albrecht Dürer and this wonderful illustration. We have left the interior

of the cards blank so that you may write your own personal message.

 

Each of our Fine Art Posters are prepared with archival quality materials and processes to ensure many years of

enjoyment. In addition, our reproductions are accompanied by explanatory material relating to Albrecht Dürer and

this wonderful illustration.

 

To purchase, simply click on the appropriate "Add to Cart" button appearing above and you'll be taken through to

our Shopping Cart secured through PayPal. Multiple purchases will be consolidated by that feature and shipping and

handling costs to any destination in the world are accommodated by our flat-rate fee of US$20 for every US$200

worth of purchases.

 

Of course, should you wish to discuss some customised options, we welcome your contact on any matter through

ThePeople@SpiritoftheAges.com.

 

In the meantime, enjoy perusing this wonderful work from Albrecht Dürer.

 

 

The illustration with all 8 plates joined

 

 

Fine Art Poster (10x30'')

Code: AD GTC (10x30)
 Price: US$200.00

 

 

 

 

 

Dürer's individual plates

 

 

Plate 1   Plate 2

 

Complete Plate

Detail

 

  

Complete Plate

Detail

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: AD GTC1 SGC
 Price: US$5.00

  

Fine Art Poster (12x18'')

Code: AD GTC1 (12x18)
 Price: US$60.00

 

 

  

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: AD GTC2 SGC
 Price: US$5.00

 

Fine Art Poster (12x18'')

Code: AD GTC2 (12x18)
 Price: US$60.00

 
Plate 3   Plate 4
 

Complete Plate

Detail

 

 

Complete Plate

Detail

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: AD GTC3 SGC
 Price: US$5.00

 

Fine Art Poster (12x18'')

Code: AD GTC3 (12x18)
 Price: US$60.00

 

 

  

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: AD GTC4 SGC
 Price: US$5.00

  

Fine Art Poster (12x18'')

Code: AD GTC4 (12x18)
 Price: US$60.00

 

 

Plate 5

  

Plate 6
 

Complete Plate

 

Detail

 

  

Complete Plate

 

Detail

 

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: AD GTC5 SGC
 Price: US$5.00

 

Fine Art Poster (12x18'')

Code: AD GTC5 (12x18)
 Price: US$60.00

 

 

  

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: AD GTC6 SGC
 Price: US$5.00

 

Fine Art Poster (12x18'')

Code: AD GTC6 (12x18)
 Price: US$60.00

 

 
Plate 7   Plate 8
 

Complete Plate

 

Detail

 

  

Complete Plate

 

Detail

 

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: AD GTC7 SGC
 Price: US$5.00

 

Fine Art Poster (12x18'')

Code: AD GTC7 (12x18)
 Price: US$60.00

 

 

  

Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)

Code: AD GTC8 SGC
 Price: US$5.00

 

Fine Art Poster (12x18'')

Code: AD GTC8 (12x18)
 Price: US$60.00