Kroning van Karel de Grote, in het jaar 800 1830 - 1877

William Brown made this print depicting 'The Coronation of Charlemagne' sometime between 1784 and 1825. The image presents us with a specific historical event that carries a lot of cultural meaning. Let's consider how the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The coronation of Charlemagne in the year 800 was a pivotal moment in European history as it marked the revival of the Roman Empire in the West and signaled a close alliance between the papacy and the Frankish monarchy. Brown’s image captures the grandeur and solemnity of the occasion, with the Pope placing the crown on Charlemagne's head in the presence of clergy, nobles, and soldiers. Consider how this event was used to legitimize the power of both the church and the state. Historical sources like the Royal Frankish Annals can give us a deeper understanding of the event. Ultimately the meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.