Sunday, October 2, 2005

Princely Lowlanders


The images here derive from Michiel Vosmeer's Principes Hollandiae et Zelandiae, Domini Frisiae. Cum genuinis isipsorum iconibus. Antwerp 1578. Engravings by Phillip Galle based on drawings by Willem Thibaut.

Vosmeer's book records the lives and portraits of the monarchy back to the 9th century. It was released at a time when the Lowland populations were revolting against King Philip II of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire at the beginning of the 80 years war.

A translation of the University of Mannheim hosting website suggests that Vosmeer's book describes suffering/atrocities that occurred to citizens in the past when they failed to support the monarchy. So it would seem it was part of the propaganda effort to quell the public who had become united during the counter-Reformation and spread of Calvinism. That's my understanding and is in no way authoritative.

Regardless, there are about 40 or so highly detailed engravings exhibited in high resolution format but unfortunately there are no thumbs available.


















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