Parma vertrekt uit Parijs, 1590 1590 - 1592

Frans Hogenberg created this print, titled "Parma vertrekt uit Parijs, 1590," around 1590. The detailed engraving captures a pivotal moment during the French Wars of Religion. The image shows Alexander Farnese, the Duke of Parma, leading his troops away from Paris. Consider the religious and political strife of the time, as Catholics and Protestants clashed in a struggle for power. The city of Paris, a Catholic stronghold, is depicted in the background, while the departing troops signify a strategic shift in the conflict. Hogenberg, as a printmaker, played a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion during this era. His prints were not just images but forms of political commentary. How did people experience this artwork? What would it have meant for both sides of the conflict? This print offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of religion, politics, and identity in 16th-century Europe, reflecting a society grappling with division.