The King's Sons Shooting Their Father's Corpse 1495 - 1505

This engraving by Master MZ depicts a truly gruesome scene. Made in Germany around 1500, it reflects a period of political intrigue and shifting power dynamics within the Holy Roman Empire. The image pulls a story about sons killing their father from ancient sources into a contemporary commentary on the state of governance. Look at the way the artist contrasts the opulence of the would-be rulers with the stark vulnerability of the father's corpse. The Turkish figures in the background might allude to external threats to the Empire, or perhaps to the moral corruption of its leaders. Historical prints like this one were often used as propaganda, circulated to sway public opinion. Understanding its message requires us to delve into the specific social and political context of its creation, examining pamphlets, chronicles, and other visual media from the period. This helps us see how art engaged with the urgent issues of its time.