Funeral procession in honor of Charles V
The grandeur of funeral processions in historical engravings
The Funeral Procession in honor of Charles V, a compelling historical event honoring the deceased Holy Roman Emperor, is vividly brought to life in a series of masterly engravings.
Occurring in Brussels on December 29 and 30, 1558, this remarkable procession was orchestrated by Charles V’s successor, his son and Spanish monarch, Philip II (1527-1598). The Spanish National Library houses a stunning French copy from the second edition, published in 1559 by Christophe Plantin (1520-1589) and Hieronymus Cock (um 1510-1570), featuring forty-one captivating engravings skillfully crafted by Joannes (1551-1605) and Lucas (1554-1572) van Doetecum. These engravings stand as Renaissance printmaking gems, preserving the grandeur and magnitude of this historic event for posterity.
Emperor Charles V, a scion of the House of Habsburg, ascended to the throne as King of Spain in 1516 and was subsequently elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1519. His reign was marked by the Reformation’s emergence, attempts at church reform, and confrontations with the Ottoman Empire. Stricken by illness, Charles V abdicated in 1556 and retired to San Jerónimo de Yuste in Spain, where he passed away and was laid to rest.
The engravings by the van Doetecum brothers meticulously depict the solemnity of the procession, portraying mourners dressed in black alongside allegorical representations. These images capture the grandeur of the event, including the symbolic Ship of Victory’s empty throne flanked by virtues such as Hope, Faith, and Charity. Each figure is meticulously inscribed and often bears flags or coats of arms, serving not just as artistic renditions but as crucial historical documents.
Preserved as the second edition A in the National Library of Spain, this French version comprises forty-one engravings edited by Christophe Plantin in Antwerp in 1559. Contemporary specialists from Germany have meticulously restored and colored these engravings, highlighting their enduring significance.
The facsimile edition of the Funeral procession in honor of Charles V is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and a complementary study book made by subject matter experts.
This facsimile is a unique edition of 400 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.
Details
Tech Sheet
DATE:
XVI century.
ORIGINAL KEPT:
National Library of Spain, INVENT/80691.
LANGUAGE:
French.
FORMAT:
370 x 315 mm.
PAGES:
41 engravings, distributed in 7 parts of different sizes.
ILUMINATION:
41 engravings.
BINDING:
Black velvet on board with coat of arms and metal corners.
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