Karel V bij een houthakker aan tafel 1846

Joseph Schubert created this print, Karel V bij een houthakker aan tafel, sometime in the 19th century. It depicts Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, seated at a table in what appears to be a humble dwelling. The image is striking because it plays with notions of power and unexpected encounters. What does it mean for an emperor, a figure of immense authority, to find himself in such ordinary surroundings? It invites us to consider the varied experiences and social strata that exist side by side, each with its own set of values and concerns. The scene might also be a reflection on the burdens of leadership, where even an emperor might seek solace or understanding in the simplicity of everyday life. In this quiet interaction, Schubert’s print prompts us to reflect on the shared humanity that underlies social and political hierarchies.