The White King: Tales of Maximilian I: A Coloring Book of Woodcuts by Hans Burgkmair

German Renaissance artist Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) is primarily known for his works commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519). In the chivalric novel The White King (or Der Weiss König, as it was originally titled in German), Burgkmair produced more than 200 woodcuts chronicling important moments in Maximilian’s life, from birth to old age. Of the original woodcuts, a significant number depict epic battles and sieges, conquests and surrenders, or diplomatic meetings of kings and queens. Many of the scenes show the young Maximilian in tactical training: learning to fire a bow, handle a sword, or secure a battle camp. Reproduced here is a carefully selected set of 25 of these woodcuts, ordered chronologically as they appear in the 1775 publication. While you enjoy the images and add your own color to them, look for the engraved initials “H.B.” hidden on armor, artillery, blades, boats, furnishings, and facades—standing, of course, for the emperor’s artist, Hans Burgkmair.