Tekstblad bij de Begrafenisoptocht van keizer Karel V, 1558 1559

This illustrated text sheet, made in 1558 by Christoffel Plantijn, describes the order of procession at the funeral of Charles V. More than just a record, the text serves as a social document, revealing the rigid hierarchies of the 16th-century court. The list meticulously details the ranks and roles of those participating, from royal halberdiers and physicians to pages and gentlemen. Notice how the structure of the procession mirrors the social order, emphasizing status and privilege. Printed in Antwerp, then part of the Habsburg Netherlands, this artwork is a product of its time and place. Antwerp, a major center of commerce and culture, was deeply influenced by the Habsburg dynasty. The funeral itself was a carefully orchestrated display of power, reinforcing the authority of the ruling family. To fully understand this work, researchers might consult period account books, court records, and genealogical charts to illuminate the complex relationships of the people involved. Only then can we grasp the full social and institutional significance of this seemingly simple text.