Intocht van de hertog van Parma te Antwerpen, 1585

Frans Hogenberg's "Entry of the Duke of Parma into Antwerp, 1585" is an etching that freezes a moment of political and social transformation. Hogenberg created this print during a period of intense religious and political conflict in the Netherlands, capturing the triumphal entry of the Duke of Parma, a symbol of Spanish authority, into Antwerp. But this event is more than just a change of power. It signifies a shift in the city's identity and autonomy. The print allows us to reflect on the complexities of power, cultural identity, and resistance during a period of profound social upheaval. As viewers, we can ask ourselves how we would feel if we lived in Antwerp at the time. Were you a supporter of the Duke, or did you want the Netherlands to be free from Spanish rule?