De stoet met aartshertog Ernst bij de intocht te Brussel (deel 2), 1594 1594

Editor: Here we have a 1594 engraving called "De stoet met aartshertog Ernst bij de intocht te Brussel (deel 2)," which translates to "The Procession with Archduke Ernest at the Entry into Brussels (part 2)." It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. The mood strikes me as very formal and staged. I am curious, what do you see in this piece? Curator: This print offers a fascinating glimpse into the construction of power through public spectacle. We see Archduke Ernst's entry into Brussels, carefully orchestrated to project an image of authority. But I'm curious, who do you think this performance was primarily aimed at? Editor: Perhaps the local population, to impress them with the Archduke's power and legitimacy? Curator: Precisely! And we need to consider the socio-political context. The late 16th century was a time of great upheaval, with religious conflicts and challenges to established authority. Think about the Eighty Years' War and the Habsburg's struggle to maintain control. This entry was not merely a ceremonial event; it was a carefully calculated move to solidify Habsburg rule in the face of resistance, using visual rhetoric to quell dissent and establish dominance. How do you read the depiction of the people - who is included, and perhaps, more importantly, who is excluded? Editor: It mostly depicts men of stature on horseback, giving the impression of a very stratified society. Lower classes are completely left out. It makes you think about whose history gets remembered and how. Curator: Exactly. It’s a powerful reminder of how art can be used to shape and reinforce particular narratives, often silencing marginalized voices. What’s your take away from it now? Editor: It definitely changes my initial impression from "formal" to "calculated." Thanks, that was really insightful. Curator: My pleasure, it is a continuous conversation and interpretation.