Intocht van Karel I van Engeland te Madrid, 1623 1623 - 1625

This print, dating from 1623, made by Frans Hogenberg, depicts Charles I of England's arrival in Madrid. It's a detailed etching, where lines are incised into a metal plate, then inked and pressed onto paper. The material itself – paper and ink – speaks to the rise of print culture as a means of disseminating information and political messaging. Notice how the intricate lines create depth and texture, defining the architecture, the figures, and the bustling scene. The print's sharp contrasts capture the formality of the procession, but also the energy of the crowd, emphasizing a choreographed display of power. Consider that prints like these were relatively affordable, making images and information accessible to a broader audience. The labor involved – from the artist’s skilled hand to the printing press – reflects a growing commercial landscape, where images could be reproduced and consumed as a form of news and propaganda. Ultimately, this print serves as a reminder that even seemingly straightforward images are carefully constructed artifacts, shaped by materials, processes, and social context.