Plate 2: The city of Rome taken by Constable of Bourbon, from the Triumphs of Charles V 1614

Cornelis Boel's etching, "Plate 2: The city of Rome taken by Constable of Bourbon, from the Triumphs of Charles V," depicts a scene from the sack of Rome in 1527, a pivotal event in the Italian Wars. The image showcases the dramatic moment when Constable Charles III of Bourbon, a French general, leads his forces to capture the city. The etching's detailed rendering of the soldiers, horses, and the cityscape emphasizes the chaos and brutality of the historical event. The work is a prime example of the 17th-century Dutch Baroque style, characterized by its dynamic compositions, dramatic use of light and shadow, and attention to historical accuracy. This print forms part of the larger series "Triumphs of Charles V," celebrating the accomplishments of the Holy Roman Emperor.