The Upper Section of the Entryway to the Central Portal with a Winged Figure Holding the Imperial Crown, from the Arch of Honor, proof, dated 1515, printed 1517-18

Description

Upper Section of the Central Portal crowns an imagined triumphal arch with sweeping wings, heraldic shields and an imperial crown. The paired architectural forms frame a central inscription, while intricate foliage and ornament invite close looking.

This woodcut belongs to The Arch of Honor for Emperor Maximilian I. Albrecht Dürer designed the right half, including the winged figure; the left half is attributed to Hans Springinklee or Wolf Traut after Dürer, giving the monumental entrance its carefully balanced design.