Intocht van Matthias te Brussel, 1578 c. 1581 - 1585

This engraving by Frans Hogenberg depicts the entry of Matthias into Brussels in 1578, a moment of shifting power during the Dutch Revolt. Matthias, a Catholic Archduke, was invited to become Governor-General by the rebellious Protestant provinces, seeking to displace the Spanish rulers. Hogenberg's detailed rendering of the procession, entering through the city gates, captures the spectacle of political transition. Yet, it also speaks to the complexities of identity and allegiance during this tumultuous period. How did the people of Brussels, torn between religious and political loyalties, receive this new leader? The print invites us to consider the lived experiences of ordinary people caught in the crosscurrents of history. While seemingly a straightforward historical record, the engraving subtly conveys the tensions and uncertainties inherent in Matthias's arrival. It serves as a reminder that history is not just a story of rulers and battles, but also of the hopes, fears, and everyday realities of those who lived through it.