Lijkstatie van Karel V, 1558 1568 - 1572

Frans Hogenberg created this print of Charles V’s funeral procession in 1558 in the Netherlands. Hogenberg's detailed engraving captures not just the event, but also the intricate social choreography of power. The image presents a carefully ordered procession winding through the city streets. Charles V's funeral wasn't merely a ceremony of mourning; it was a political statement, a display of the enduring power of the Habsburg dynasty. The social hierarchy is palpable, from the somber dignitaries leading the procession to the throngs of onlookers. It’s important to remember that this image was made during a time of religious and political upheaval. Charles V's reign was marked by conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. The funeral then became an opportunity to publicly reinforce Catholic orthodoxy and imperial authority. To fully appreciate this print, we can delve into archival records, exploring accounts of the funeral. Only then can we grasp the complex interplay of politics, religion, and social order that Hogenberg so skillfully captured.