Hendrik IV tot keizer gekroond, 1084 1650 - 1750

This engraving depicts the coronation of Henry IV as Holy Roman Emperor in 1084, though the anonymous artist likely made it much later. It presents an image of imperial power during the Middle Ages, connecting to its wider social and cultural context. The image creates meaning through visual codes associated with authority. We see the emperor kneeling before the Pope, receiving his crown, whilst soldiers stand guard in the background. The architectural setting is very important, with pillars and arches suggestive of established power structures. The event took place during the Investiture Controversy, a conflict between the papacy and the Holy Roman Emperors over who had the authority to appoint church officials. By studying sources from the period, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork’s historical context and the complex power dynamics at play. Art is contingent on social and institutional context.