Plate 24: Charles V crowned Emperor by the Pope; from Guillielmus Becanus's 'Serenissimi Principis Ferdinandi, Hispaniarum Infantis...' 1636

Pieter de Jode II created this engraving, Plate 24: Charles V crowned Emperor by the Pope, in the 17th century. It illustrates a moment of high political and religious drama. The image is part of a series of prints intended to celebrate the reign of Ferdinand, the Infante of Spain, and to legitimize the Habsburg dynasty's power by linking it to historical precedents. The print is striking for its depiction of power dynamics, especially the relationship between the church and state. Charles V kneels submissively as the Pope places the crown on his head, suggesting the church’s authority over even the most powerful secular rulers. This was a period marked by religious conflict and political maneuvering, where the divine right of kings was often invoked to justify power. Consider how images like this were used as propaganda. They shaped public perception of rulers and reinforced the existing social hierarchy. The emotional impact lies in the portrayal of legitimacy and divine approval, meant to inspire awe and obedience. The careful composition and detailed rendering serve to enshrine a particular narrative of power.