Plate 11: Ferdinand greeted by the Elector of Cologne; from Guillielmus Becanus's 'Serenissimi Principis Ferdinandi, Hispaniarum Infantis...' 1636

This engraving by Pieter de Jode II, titled "Plate 11: Ferdinand greeted by the Elector of Cologne," depicts a historical moment from 1636. It showcases Ferdinand, the Spanish Infante, receiving a formal greeting from the Elector of Cologne, a prominent religious figure. The scene is filled with elaborate costumes and details, including the Elector's imposing robes and the intricate armor of the soldiers flanking the figures. The engraving is a powerful example of the artistic style of the Baroque period, characterized by dramatic contrasts of light and shadow and a sense of grandeur. This print is part of a larger series documenting the travels of Ferdinand, offering valuable insight into the politics and social customs of the time.