Private Collector Donates Copy of "The Triumphal Arch of Maximilian I" (c. 1519, printed 1799) to Centenary's Meadows Museum of Art

'The Triumphal Arch of Maximilian I" (produced circa 1519, 1799 printing) on display at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. The copy donated to Centenary's Meadows Museum of Art is one of three in the United States. The third is at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.

SHREVEPORT, LA —Centenary College of Louisiana's Meadows Museum of Art has received a copy of "The Triumphal Arch of Maximilian I" (produced c. 1519, 1799 printing) as a gift from a private collector.

The creation of this monumental print, which measures 11 by 9 feet, was directed by Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Durer for the Emperor Maximilian I, said Meadows Director Diane Dufilho. "The Emperor wished to emulate the Roman Emperors and wanted a triumphal arch of stone, but could not afford one. As a result, Maximilian I launched a graphics campaign to create monumental printworks that were distributed throughout the Empire for 'public relations' purposes and 'The Triumphal Arch' is the result."

The Meadows Museum of Art's copy is one of three located in the United States. Two other copies are housed in the permanent collections of the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., and at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.

The staff of the Meadows Museum of Art is currently working with the staff of the National Gallery and master conservators to mount the "Triumphal Arch of Maximilan I" for the public. The museum has submitted applications for grants to assist with the mounting of the work, Dufilho said., and the work will be available for public display once funding has been completed.

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