Executie van Hieronymus Michiels in Keulen, 1587

Frans Hogenberg’s etching depicts the execution of Hieronymus Michiels in Cologne in 1587, offering a window into the turbulent times of the late 16th century. Hogenberg lived through the religious and political conflicts of the Reformation, and his work often reflects the era’s anxieties and violence. This print captures a public spectacle designed to assert power. Consider how the act of public execution reinforced social hierarchies, sending a clear message about the consequences of defying authority. Michiels’ death was not just a legal act but a theatrical performance. How might the experience of witnessing such an event shape one’s sense of self and community? The print serves as a chilling reminder of the human capacity for cruelty, inviting us to reflect on the darker aspects of our shared history.