Henrettelsen af Karl I af England 1650 - 1699

Christian Rothgiesser created this etching depicting the execution of Charles I of England sometime in the mid-17th century. Rothgiesser's print serves as a window into a pivotal moment in British history, capturing the regicide of Charles I, an event that sent shockwaves across Europe. Consider how this image reflects the complex interplay between the monarch and the masses. The execution of Charles I was not just a political act, but a deeply symbolic one. It challenged the divine right of kings and momentarily inverted the traditional social hierarchy. The artist directs our gaze to the figures perched on the rooftop, a visual reminder of the spectators who bore witness to this act. Rothgiesser invites us to reflect on the emotional weight of this historical moment and how it continues to resonate across centuries.