Troonsafstand van Karel V, 1555 1820

This print by Jacob Ernst Marcus depicts the abdication of Charles V in 1555. It shows a pivotal moment in European history, rendered here through the visual language of the 18th and early 19th centuries. The image encapsulates the complex interplay of power, religion, and dynastic succession. Charles V's reign was marked by religious conflict and the rise of nation-states. Marcus made this print in the Netherlands, a region deeply impacted by these events. The abdication was a political act, of course, but also deeply personal, reflecting Charles V’s weariness and disillusionment. To fully understand the artwork, one must look at both the history it depicts, and the moment in which it was made. Contemporary sources, such as letters and state papers, offer insight into the political context, while art criticism from the period reveals how Marcus’s work was received. Ultimately, the meaning of this print emerges from the intersection of historical events, artistic representation, and critical interpretation.