Ferdinand begroet door de aartsbisschop van Keulen; intocht van Ferdinand te Gent in 1635 (nr. 11) Possibly 1635 - 1685

Editor: This print, "Ferdinand Greeted by the Archbishop of Cologne," created by Pieter de Jode II sometime between 1635 and 1685, depicts a historical meeting. I'm struck by the formality and slightly stiff feel of the figures. What's your take on it? Curator: Ah, yes, Pieter de Jode. Think of this print as a newsreel of its time. The almost obsessive detail in clothing and the precise rendering of the figures scream 'official record' but beyond that, it breathes. Don’t you find a certain awkward charm in its stiffness? There's something profoundly human in that inability to perfectly orchestrate these grand displays. Do you see that slight tentativeness in the handshake? Editor: I do now that you mention it. It is there! A slight "are we really doing this?" feeling comes to mind. So, beyond documenting the event, what other purpose might it have served? Curator: Remember, this is the Baroque era, so it served to show power and might. Prints like these circulated widely. De Jode created multiple scenes from Ferdinand's journey into Ghent in 1635 to celebrate a strategic alliance, cementing political legitimacy in a region fraught with conflict. Beyond a record, it acted as propaganda; almost 'hype' for the Hapsburg rulers. Isn't it fascinating how art is wielded? Editor: That makes total sense! It’s easy to forget the role of art as political messaging. This has made me think differently about historical prints. They are like complex PR. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, the past speaks volumes when we lend our ears, and our eyes, with just the slightest willingness to re-perceive it. Thanks for offering yours!