Hans Burgkmair the Elder, “The Party of the Green King Surprising and Attacking the Party of the White King at a River”, c. 1514–16

Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531)

“The Party of the Green King Surprising and Attacking the Party of the White King at a River”, circa 1514–16

Description:

This dramatic scene depicts a chaotic, close-quarters river ambush during the Habsburg-Hungarian Wars (1477–1491). The imperial forces of the “White King” (Maximilian I [1459–1519]) are shown defending their positions on the right bank, their flags emblazoned with Maximilian’s personal emblem, the Cross of Burgundy—a distinctive saw-toothed X-shaped cross. They are caught off-guard and attacked from across the river by the Hungarian troops of the “Green King,” King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary (reigned 1458–1490), whose forces advance from the left bearing standards adorned with traditional vertical crosses.

This woodcut vividly captures the tension of the ambush, emphasising the chaos and movement of the battlefield, underpinned by the diagonal view of the river separating the two armies.

Technical Details & Condition:

Woodcut on fine laid paper (blank on the verso), trimmed unevenly with the left side slightly within the image border, and professionally backed with a support sheet of archival-quality washi paper. This print is part of a series of 236 woodcut illustrations created for the autobiographical account of Emperor Maximilian I, “Der Weisskunig” (The White King). The series was produced between 1514 and 1516 but remained unpublished until rediscovered in 1775. They were first published as a book by Hoffstätter in Vienna, and later reissued in 1799 by S. Edward in London under the French title, “Tableaux des principaux événements de la vie et du règne de l'empereur Maximilien I.” (Metropolitan Museum Object Number: 1986.1180.52).

This impression is strong, crisp, and evenly printed, representing an early state with minimal signs of wear. Aside from a minor tear in the lower left edge, the sheet is in excellent condition, free from holes, folds, abrasions, or stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet (trimmed unevenly): 22.2 x 18.4 cm

References:

• TIB 11.79 (Tilman Falk, “The Illustrated Bartsch: Sixteenth Century German Artists”, Vol. 11, 1980, New York, Abaris Books, cat. no. 80 [224] – 79)

Price & Shipping:

AU$288 (approximately US$200.26 / €174.93 / £150.16), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you’re interested in acquiring this large and historically significant woodcut—an evocative depiction of a pivotal moment in European history—please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase. 

This print has been sold