The Young Prince Standing Between His Secretaries, from Der Weisskunig 1775 - 1800

Editor: This woodcut, "The Young Prince Standing Between His Secretaries," made between 1775 and 1800, and attributed to Hans Burgkmair, presents a bustling scene. It's interesting how the artist uses the black ink to create this sense of density. What is your interpretation of the imagery within this print? Curator: This print belongs to a series meant to depict the life and allegorical autobiography of Emperor Maximilian I. Considering that the original commission for the series wasn’t completed in his lifetime, we need to think about how Maximilian wanted to be seen. What qualities does the print emphasize through its composition? Editor: Well, the prince, Maximilian, looks very regal and central to everything, suggesting power. His advisors flank him in support. There's also a sense of activity and the castle on a distant cliff gives him control of the space. Curator: Exactly. This controlled distribution of figures and objects served Maximilian's carefully curated public image. Consider, too, that these woodcuts would have been widely disseminated. In essence, Maximilian was using what was, for the time, mass media to shape his legacy. How do you think that act impacts the way we view the print today? Editor: I hadn’t thought about that! I guess knowing it was propaganda gives it a layer of manipulation that feels… intentional? It changes the meaning. Curator: Precisely. It makes you wonder about the actual role of art in legitimizing political power. Editor: I see. Looking at the image through the lens of political power definitely shifts how I interpret it. It is no longer just an historical illustration, but a tool for creating one's public perception.