Matthias houdt revue over de troepen van paltsgraaf Casimir, 1578 c. 1581 - 1585

This is Frans Hogenberg's engraving, "Matthias houdt revue over de troepen van paltsgraaf Casimir," made in 1578. It captures a moment of political maneuvering amidst the religious and political conflicts of the late 16th century. Engravings like this one served as visual propaganda, shaping public opinion during times of conflict. Consider the power dynamics at play here; Matthias, representing a certain political and religious stance, reviews the troops of Paltsgraaf Casimir, a key figure in the religious conflicts of the time. How might this image have influenced viewers' perceptions of these figures and their causes? Hogenberg's work invites us to reflect on the relationship between art, power, and identity in a period of intense social change. It also touches upon the emotional dimensions of war: the hopes, fears, and loyalties that drove individuals and communities to take sides in these conflicts.