Strooien van nieuwe zilveren munten met de beeltenis van keizer Karel V, plaat Z - Nicolaas Hogenberg

A sixteenth-century etching by Nicolaas Hogenberg depicting the ceremonial distribution of coins during the coronation procession of Emperor Charles V.

This etching by Nicolaas Hogenberg, a Flemish artist active in the early sixteenth century, belongs to a series documenting the ceremonial entry of Emperor Charles V into Bologna for his coronation in 1530. The scene depicts the distribution of commemorative silver coins, a traditional act of imperial largesse intended to demonstrate the wealth and authority of the Habsburg ruler.

The composition follows the conventions of sixteenth-century processional art. A central figure on horseback, representing the Emperor or his representative, gestures towards the crowd while attendants and soldiers surround him. The inclusion of heraldic shields and a descriptive cartouche in French provides historical context, identifying the figures and the specific occasion. Hogenberg employs a clear, linear style typical of the period, focusing on the precise rendering of costumes, armour, and the rhythmic movement of the procession.

The print is part of a larger sequence that functioned as a visual record of the event. By capturing the pageantry of the imperial court, Hogenberg provides a glimpse into the political theatre of the Renaissance. The work is notable for its attention to detail, from the trappings of the horses to the specific heraldic devices displayed above the figures. As a historical document, it offers insight into the visual language used to communicate power and legitimacy during the reign of Charles V. The etching remains a valuable resource for those interested in the history of printmaking and the iconography of the Holy Roman Empire.