
This memorial woodcut celebrates the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian’s passage into eternal life. He appears kneeling in front of Christ, hoping his resplendent throng of Habsburg family saints will help him enter heaven. The Virgin and Child are present, as are Saints Andrew, Barbara, George, Leopold, Maximilian, and Sebastian, each bearing their attributes. The Latin text below the woodcut lists the emperor’s many titles and territories and his date of death, followed by laudatory verses. Despite its popular broadsheet format, this print was likely distributed to members of the imperial court and other nobles rather than being sold or posted.

Judith and Her Maid Placing the Head of Holofernes in a Bag from Biblia latina, plate six from Woodcuts from Books of the XVI Century
Attributed to Hans Springinklee (German, c. 1495-after 1522) or Erhard Schön (German, 1491-1542) assembled by Max Geisberg (Swiss, 1875-1943)

Battle of Hainaut, plate 3 from Historical Scenes from the Life of Emperor Maximilian I from the Triumphal Arch
Hans Springinklee (German, c. 1495-after 1522) printed by Hieronymus Andreae (German, died 1556)

War with Venice, plate 21 from Historical Scenes from the Life of Emperor Maximilian I from the Triumphal Arch
Hans Springinklee (German, c. 1495-after 1522) printed by Hieronymus Andreae (German, died 1556)