The Emperor Sigismund

Charlemagne had revived the idea of the Roman empire and was considered the model emperor by his successors. Duerer's portrait created a new idealized image. Next to Charlemagne stands Sigismund, who brought the imperial insignia to Nuremberg in 1424. The imperial regalia had been kept in Nuremberg since 1424, the most important items being the Holy Lance, the imperial crown and sword. Once a year the treasure was displayed in the main market square, which merited an indulgence. On the night before, the treasure was kept in a kind of shrine. Duerer was commissioned by the Town Council to paint the two panels for it. They lost their function in 1526 when the displaying of relics ended and were taken to the Town Hall. The council secured a monopoly on all copies.