The Theuerdank is an epic poem that celebrates the exploits and heroic deeds of Emperor Maximilian I. In this propagandistic, allegorical work, he is represented as the Knight Theuerdank, who overcomes numerous perils to win Queen Ernreich, representing Mary of Burgundy, whom Maximilian married in 1477. The overall conception of the work is due to Maximilian himself, who also oversaw its every aspect, including typography and illustration, in order to create an image for both himself and his dynasty. This video features an extremely rare first edition of the Theuerdank with 118 glorious woodcut illustrations, printed on vellum, all with fine contemporary hand-colouring, highlighted with gold and silver.

Also have a look at our video on the Wedding Hours, a Book of Hours that was made as a wedding gift for Bianca Maria Sforza upon her marriage to Maximilian I.