Gevangename van Frans I tijdens de slag van Pavia, 1525

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Gevangename van I tijdens de slag van, 1525** is a compelling etching by Dirck Volertsz. Coornhert, a leading Dutch printmaker of the Northern Renaissance, created around 1555–1556. Measuring just 155 × 232 mm, this work captures the dramatic aftermath of the 1525 Battle of Pavia focusing on the captured French King Francis I and his entourage. Coornhert, known for his precise line work and collaboration with Antwerp publishers like Hieronymus Cock excelled in historical scenes that brought pivotal events to life through print. The Battle of Pavia marked a turning point in the Italian Wars, where Holy Roman Emperor Charles V's forces decisively defeated the French, capturing Francis I and reshaping European power dynamics. Coornhert's etching, produced three decades later, reflects the era's fascination with these conflicts, serving as both historical record and propaganda. The detailed composition likely emphasizes the king's humiliation, underscoring themes of imperial triumph. As an etching—a relatively new technique in the mid-16th century—this print allowed for affordable, widespread dissemination of complex narratives. Coornhert's mastery of aquatint-like tones and intricate figures made it a standout in reproductive printmaking, bridging art and history for Renaissance audiences. A collector's mark (Lugt 2228) hints at its enduring value among connoisseurs.