Parma en de pauselijke afgezant te Gnadental, 1586 c. 1587 - 1591

Frans Hogenberg created this engraving, “Parma en de pauselijke afgezant te Gnadental, 1586,” depicting a historical event during a time of religious and political conflict. The late 16th century was marked by the Counter-Reformation and the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, which provides the backdrop for this image. Here, we see the Duke of Parma, representing Spanish authority, meeting with a papal emissary in Gnadental. Hogenberg’s detailed depiction places the meeting within fortified surroundings, underscoring the ever-present tension and the militarization of the era. It serves as a reminder of how deeply religious and political identities were intertwined, influencing alliances and conflicts. The print offers insight into the strategies employed by the Catholic powers to regain influence in regions leaning towards Protestantism. It also illustrates the era's stark divisions and the power struggles that defined the lives of many. The work is a poignant reflection on the human costs of ideological warfare.