Emperor Maximilian II
1574
Medium
engraving
Dimensions
sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 20.9 x 15.5 cm (8 1/4 x 6 1/8 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Rosenwald Collection
Accession Number
1943.3.7540
Art Historical Context
Behold the striking portrait *Emperor Maximilian II an engraving crafted by Martino Rota in 1574. This sheet, measuring just 20.9 x 15.5 cm, the Holy Roman Emperor during the final years of his reign (1564–1576). Rota, a skilled Venetian printmaker of the late Renaissance, renders Maximilian with regal poise, likely on the era's fascination with authoritativees to propagate imperial power across Europe. Engravings like this were revolutionary in the 16th century, allowing precise reproductions of portraits that could be widely disseminated through books, pamphlets, and collections. The medium...