Moord op Hendrik III, 1589

This print, illustrating the assassination of Henri III, was made around 1589 by Frans Hogenberg. It’s an engraving, a process where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. This wasn't fine art in the modern sense, but rather an early form of news media. Hogenberg was one of the leading producers of such prints, which circulated widely and shaped public opinion. Notice the level of detail, from the architectural settings to the individual figures. These would have required a high degree of skill, and a division of labor in Hogenberg's workshop. The choice of printmaking as a medium also speaks to the broader context of political and religious conflict in Europe at the time. Cheap to produce and easily distributed, prints like this played a key role in shaping public perceptions, and mobilizing support for different factions.