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

37 etchings, 33,1 x 29,8 cm, laid paper with watermark (M in coat of arms), signed on title plate: "Nicolao Hogenbergo" (late uneven impressions, some foxing, mostly frayed around the edges, some old repairs, occ. brown stains, lower right corner of n. 4 and 5 torn).

Wide margins.

On his 30th 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 this occasion, the Mechelen printmaker Nicolaas Hogenberg (ca. 1500-1539) published a lavish printed frieze of 39 plates. Rare 4th state (of 5) published by Hondius with the title plate in imitation of Roman bases with Latin inscriptions. 37 etchings (of 40) without plates A (dedication), 1, 33.
Ref. Hollstein IX.64.31-70.