Feestelijke intocht van Farnese na het ontzet van Parijs, 1590 1670 - 1699

Romeyn de Hooghe created this print, "Feestelijke intocht van Farnese na het ontzet van Parijs, 1590," sometime between 1645 and 1708 using etching. It depicts the triumphal entry of Alessandro Farnese into Paris after relieving the city. Consider the cultural and political backdrop. This event occurred during the French Wars of Religion, a period of intense conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Farnese, representing Catholic forces, is portrayed as a savior, reflecting the religious tensions of the era. The print served as propaganda, reinforcing the power and legitimacy of Catholic rulers during a time of upheaval. How does it feel to see this depiction? The artist emphasizes the grandeur of the event with the Arch, yet the city behind appears almost lifeless. It underscores how historical narratives are shaped by those in power, and the emotional weight of such representations on those whose stories are often marginalized or omitted.