Medallion Portraits of Henry and Margaret of Navarre (recto) and Portraits of Barbarossa and of Muleasem of Tunis (verso) from Bildtnussen der Rhömischen Keyseren, plate 44 from Woodcuts from Books of the XVI Century c. 1558 - 1937

This is a page from Woodcuts from Books of the XVI Century, made by Hans Rudolf Manuel Deutsch in Switzerland. It depicts medallion portraits of Henry and Margaret of Navarre on one side, and portraits of Barbarossa and Muleasem of Tunis on the other. These images, created in the context of the Reformation, reflect a period of significant social and religious upheaval. The choice of subjects—European monarchs and North African leaders—speaks to the intersecting political and cultural interests of the time. The inclusion of figures from different religious and geographical backgrounds suggests a curiosity about the world beyond Europe, but also represents the political dynamics between Europe and North Africa. Understanding this artwork requires considering the history of printmaking, its role in disseminating information, and shaping public opinion during the 16th century. Research into the biographies of the depicted figures and the political events of their time will reveal more about the artist’s intentions, and how this artwork participates in the visual culture of its time.