Book of Arms of Emperor Maximilian I

The presented manuscript is part of many attempts undertaken by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519) to expand his legacy. Compiled by Bartolomeus Freisleben, Hauszeugmeister (imperial armament specialist), she characterizes several imperial arsenals, describing in detail the addition of modern artillery and weapons that occurred during the reign of Maximilian. The manuscript was richly illuminated with the participation of the imperial court artist Jörg Calderer (c. 1465–1540), which emphasizes the purpose of its creation as a demonstration work, rather than a simple inventory. The history of the manuscript is unknown. Perhaps this is a copy of the original, which once in the XVI century became the property of the free imperial city of Ratisbon (modern Regensburg). The manuscript, although incomplete, was bound and included in the collection of books of the city library. In 1812, it was transferred from Regensburg to the Bavarian State Library.