Bezoek van Hendrik IV aan het Duitse leger, 1591 1591 - 1593

This etching, "Visit of Henry IV to the German Army, 1591," was created by Frans Hogenberg, and captures a moment of political and military significance in late 16th century Europe. Hogenberg situates us amidst the complexities of the European Wars of Religion, depicting Henry IV, a key figure in these conflicts, visiting the German army. Henry, a Huguenot turned Catholic, navigated a landscape rife with religious tension. This image isn't just a record; it's a carefully constructed narrative about power, allegiance, and the spectacle of military might. Consider the emotional weight of this encounter. For Henry, this visit was likely a strategic display intended to solidify alliances. For the soldiers, the presence of a king could have stirred feelings of loyalty, fear, or perhaps resentment, given the religious undertones of the conflict. The rigid, almost theatrical arrangement of the troops suggests an attempt to project an image of unified strength, yet it also hints at the underlying anxieties of the time. Ultimately, the etching leaves us to reflect on the fraught relationships between leaders and their armies, shaped by the powerful forces of religion and politics.