Verwonding van Hendrik II tijdens een toernooi, 1559 1567 - 1571

Frans Hogenberg created this etching titled ‘Verwonding van Hendrik II tijdens een toernooi, 1559'. This work captures a pivotal moment in European history, illustrating the tragic injury of King Henry II of France during a tournament. The event wasn't just a personal tragedy, it was a dynastic crisis, as it changed the course of French politics and power dynamics in a time of intense religious conflict. The image shows the pomp and pageantry of the event, yet also a scene of chaos and sudden violence. The crowds, the knights, the king himself, all become figures in a drama that speaks to the fragility of power and the ever-present specter of mortality. Consider what it meant to represent such a scene, especially given the social hierarchy of the time. Hogenberg’s print invites us to reflect on the intersections of politics, personal fate, and public spectacle. It serves as a stark reminder of how personal tragedies can ripple through the corridors of power, altering the course of history.