Anjou wordt op het podium gekroond tot hertog van Brabant, 1582 1582

This print, made in 1582 by an anonymous artist, depicts the coronation of Anjou as Duke of Brabant. It’s rendered through the incisive technique of engraving, where lines are cut into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. What's so fascinating about engravings is the way that the precision of the medium can evoke a sense of authority. The sharp lines and the careful rendering of detail create a sense of documentary accuracy. The composition, with its focus on the ceremony and the central figure of Anjou, reinforces this effect. It’s as if the print is not just depicting an event, but also validating it, lending legitimacy to Anjou's claim to power. Consider too, the labor involved in creating such a print, the skilled artisan meticulously incising each line. This element speaks to the wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption, reminding us that even seemingly straightforward images are the result of complex processes and power dynamics. This engraving is not just a depiction of a historical event, but also a testament to the power of materials, making, and context in shaping our understanding of the world.