Vaandeldragers SPQR, plaat 7 - Nicolaas Hogenberg

A detailed sixteenth-century etching by Nicolaas Hogenberg depicting a ceremonial procession of standard-bearers.

This etching by Nicolaas Hogenberg depicts a procession of standard-bearers, a subject that reflects the sixteenth-century fascination with classical antiquity and military pageantry. The work is part of a series documenting the ceremonial entry of Emperor Charles V into Bologna for his coronation in 1530. Hogenberg, a Flemish artist active in the early sixteenth century, captures the rhythmic movement of the mounted figures as they advance across the frame. The composition is organised horizontally, mimicking the flow of a formal parade.

The figures are rendered with precise line work, focusing on the textures of their armour, the folds of their garments, and the musculature of the horses. The standards, emblazoned with the letters SPQR, serve as a direct reference to the Roman Senate and People, a common motif used during the Renaissance to legitimise the authority of contemporary rulers by linking them to the classical past. The background remains relatively sparse, allowing the viewer to focus on the interaction between the riders and their mounts. The shading is achieved through controlled hatching, which provides volume to the figures without overwhelming the clarity of the scene.

As a historical document, this print offers insight into the visual culture of the Habsburg court. It demonstrates the technical proficiency of printmakers during this period, who were tasked with recording grand events for a wider audience. The work avoids excessive ornamentation, prioritising the narrative clarity of the procession. The inclusion of Latin inscriptions at the base of the print provides context for the specific military units or families represented. This piece is a clear example of the documentary function of printmaking in the early modern era, where the medium acted as a primary vehicle for the dissemination of political and historical imagery across Europe.