Plate I: Election and Coronation of Emperor Maximilian II 1612

This is an engraving of the Election and Coronation of Emperor Maximilian II by an anonymous artist. It gives us a window into the rituals and power structures of the 16th century. Imagine being present at this spectacle, observing the pageantry, and feeling the weight of tradition. The composition is designed to emphasize the hierarchical nature of the event, with Emperor Maximilian II situated in an elevated position, both literally and figuratively, above the masses. The architecture and the layout reinforce the idea of social stratification, where the elite occupy the higher spaces, looking down upon the commoners. The artist invites us to consider the role of spectacle in legitimizing power. In this context, the artwork serves as a historical document and a reflection on the construction of identity, authority, and the performance of power.