Intocht van aartshertog Ernst te Brussel, 1594 1594 - 1596

This is Frans Hogenberg's engraving of the Entry of Archduke Ernest into Brussels, made in 1594. It captures a key moment in the history of the Habsburg Netherlands. The image depicts the ceremonial entrance of Archduke Ernest, the newly appointed governor, into Brussels. The procession winds its way through the city, passing under elaborate triumphal arches. This spectacle was carefully orchestrated to project power, affirm Habsburg rule, and reinforce social hierarchies. Consider the social conditions that shaped the production of this artwork. The Netherlands was a region in turmoil, with the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule still raging. Images like this one served a propagandistic purpose. They were designed to impress the populace with the grandeur of Habsburg authority and legitimize their claim to rule. Looking at contemporary chronicles, pamphlets, and civic records will give us even greater insights into the staging of this spectacle. These sources help us understand the complex social and political dynamics at play in this critical period of European history.