Events in the History of the Netherlands, France, Germany and England between 1535 and 1608 1555 - 1590

This engraving, made by Frans Hogenberg around 1570, depicts Charles V abdicating as Holy Roman Emperor in Brussels. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the rituals of power and the making of history. Hogenberg was a printmaker active in the Netherlands at a time of great political and religious tension. His work provides invaluable visual records of the key players and locations of the Dutch Revolt, as well as insights into the ways these events were understood and circulated. Notice the architecture of the hall, the tapestries, and the arrangement of figures. These details tell us about the setting, the key political players, and the hierarchical nature of 16th-century European society. Consider the role this kind of print played in shaping public opinion and memorializing events. To understand the image better, we might turn to archival sources – letters, pamphlets, and official records – to reconstruct the historical context and understand its reception. In doing so, we appreciate that history painting, even in printed form, is always an interpretation of events.