Stamboom van het Habsburgse huis, blad vier 1533 - 1535

Robert Péril produced this print called 'Stamboom van het Habsburgse huis, blad vier.' This image presents the history of the Habsburg dynasty not as a linear narrative, but rather as a tree with various family members displayed in circles, boxes and vignettes emerging from its branches. This reflects the enduring social importance of genealogy to aristocratic families and to European political history. The print presents the Habsburg family as a natural and organic entity rooted in the earth, destined to grow and to branch out over time. This visual metaphor served to legitimize the family’s authority and reinforce its perceived right to rule. In Northern Europe during this time, these printed genealogical trees were a popular means of illustrating and celebrating family lineage, functioning almost as a form of propaganda. Understanding the historical context and cultural meanings behind this image requires us to dig into sources about the Habsburg dynasty, the political uses of art, and the institutions that commissioned such works.