The Great Triumphal Car of Emperor Maximilian

Albrecht Dürer

Cleveland Museum of Art

The image shows a large, ornate chariot being pulled by two decorated horses. The horses are harnessed side by side with their heads facing to the right; they have long tails and manes. The horses are wearing decorative harnesses and yokes with patterns and tassels. The chariot has a decorative frame with a curved pole that connects to the horse harnesses. There are two men on the chariot; the one standing in front holds a whip. The man behind him sits on the chariot. Two women in classical dress walk beside the horses on either side. The woman on the left holds an orb with flames emerging from it; she wears a short tunic. The woman on the right holds a wreath or ring; she wears a short dress and sandals. The background of the image consists of text, likely in Latin, on both sides; the text is in black ink on a yellowed parchment-colored background. The text on the right appears to be a dedication or introduction. The image appears to be an illustration from a book.