Aartshertog Matthias vertrekt uit de Nederlanden, 1581 c. 1581 - 1585

In 1581, Frans Hogenberg created this engraving, titled *Aartshertog Matthias vertrekt uit de Nederlanden, 1581*, which translates to *Archduke Matthias Departs from the Netherlands, 1581.* This print captures a pivotal moment during the Dutch Revolt, a period defined by religious conflict and the struggle for independence. Matthias of Habsburg, appointed governor-general by the States-General, is depicted leaving the Netherlands, his departure signaling a shift in power dynamics. Hogenberg, as a printmaker and cartographer, was instrumental in disseminating information and shaping public opinion during this tumultuous era. His images often served as visual chronicles of political and military events. Consider the interplay between the figures on the docks, the ships laden with cargo, and the architectural backdrop. What does this scene evoke about the socio-economic fabric of the time? The print invites us to reflect on the complexities of leadership, resistance, and the human cost of political upheaval. How do you respond to this visual narrative of departure and transition?