Bazuinen en landsknechten, plaat [II] 1530 - 1536

Nicolaas Hogenberg made this print, "Bazuinen en landsknechten, plaat [II]", sometime in the 16th century. This artwork offers a window into the world of Renaissance Europe, specifically the intersection of military power, social hierarchy, and artistic representation. Here, Hogenberg depicts a procession of heavily armored knights and soldiers, possibly Landsknechten, a mercenary group, on horseback. The scene is laden with visual cues of power and status. Note the elaborate armor, the heraldic symbols, and the Latin inscription at the bottom of the print which translates to "armored cavalry phalanx," all serving to glorify military might and aristocratic privilege. Hogenberg made this artwork during a time of frequent conflict and shifting political alliances, where military strength was crucial for maintaining power. Art historical resources such as period documents and military records, along with social histories can provide a richer understanding of the artwork. In this way we can learn about the artwork’s social and institutional contexts.