De stoet met aartshertog Ernst bij de intocht te Brussel (deel 1), 1594 1594

This anonymous engraving from 1594 depicts Archduke Ernest's ceremonial entry into Brussels. The image, likely part of a commemorative book, presents a carefully constructed display of power. The procession is rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing the opulence and order associated with Habsburg rule in the Netherlands. This image provides valuable insights into the political theater of the late 16th century when Brussels was the capital of the Spanish Netherlands. Notice how the inclusion of exotic animals and statues along the route served to impress upon the local population the wealth and authority of the Archduke. To fully understand the engraving's significance, historians would consult primary sources like contemporary accounts of the event, archival records detailing the planning of the procession, and visual comparisons with similar works from the period. Through such research, we can better appreciate how this image functioned as a form of political propaganda.