Triumphant entry of Charles V and Pope Clemens VII into Bologna.

37 (of 40) etchings, 33,1 x 29,8 cm, laid paper with watermark (Letter M in coat of arms, not in Briquet), wide margins, title page signed in plate "Nicolao Hogenbergo" (late uneven impression, some foxing, mostly frayed around the edges, some old repairs, occ. brown stains, lower right corner of pl. 4 and 5 torn).

Loose sheets.

On his thirtieth birthday, on 24 February 1530, Charles V was officially crowned in Bologna by the Medici Pope Clement VII, following a spectacular and majestic "Joyous Entry" into the city. It was one of the most spectacular shows of the time, intended by Charles to impress upon the whole of Europe the dominance he had achieved in Italy and the power he commanded in his vast lands. The coronation brought to a conclusion a long tradition initiated by Charlemagne as Charles was the last "Imperator electus" to be crowned by the Pope. To commemorate the occasion, the Mechelen-born printmaker Nicolaas Hogenberg published a lavish printed frieze of 39 plates. Rare 4th state (of 5), published by Hondius, with title plate in imitation of Roman bases with Latin inscriptions. Plates A (dedication), 1 and 33 are missing.
Ref. Hollstein IX:64 (31-70).