Halberdiers, from the Triumphal Procession of Maximilian
published 1526, printed 1779 or later
Hans Burgkmair, the Elder German, 1473-1531
Germany
Burgkmair produced most of the designs for Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I’s Triumphal Procession, an enormous frieze of over 130 woodcuts meant to decorate the state rooms of his nobles. The print expresses the emperor’s military strength, with group after group of foot soldiers and cavalry following him in an ongoing procession. Here Landsknechte in resplendent garb hoist halberds as they join the parade.
Woodcut in black on tan laid paper