An Interesting Crossbow Accident, 1517

Jim McDougall · 3rd April 2011, 11:54 PM

Good question Fernando, that standed wheel is definitely the focal point of this work.
Michael, would this work plausibly have been done by Hans Burgkmair (1473-1531), one of Maximilian I's favored artists? It seems he did a good number of varied types of art featuring religious scenes and portraits of citizens in Augsburg.
I am wondering about the possible allegorical content of this illustration, and the unusual 'action' elements. Also, would the predominant 'wheel' shown on the back of the individual in foreground possibly signify the 'Catherine Wheel'?
This was a symbolic for St. Catherine of Alexandria martyred in the 4th century and signifying the 'breaking wheel', with which the Romans tried to execute her but it broke rather than breaking her. Regardless, she was then executed by sword. In reading through heraldic explanations it is suggested that the wheel signifies the faithful who will endure great trials for Christianity.

All the best,
Jim

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3rd April 2011, 11:54 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,454	Good question Fernando, that standed wheel is definitely the focal point of this work. Michael, would this work plausibly have been done by Hans Burgkmair (1473-1531), one of Maximilian I's favored artists? It seems he did a good number of varied types of art featuring religious scenes and portraits of citizens in Augsburg. I am wondering about the possible allegorical content of this illustration, and the unusual 'action' elements. Also, would the predominant 'wheel' shown on the back of the individual in foreground possibly signify the 'Catherine Wheel'? This was a symbolic for St. Catherine of Alexandria martyred in the 4th century and signifying the 'breaking wheel', with which the Romans tried to execute her but it broke rather than breaking her. Regardless, she was then executed by sword. In reading through heraldic explanations it is suggested that the wheel signifies the faithful who will endure great trials for Christianity. All the best, Jim