Léon Rochard, “On Borrowed Time: Margaret of Parma’s Artistic Patronage as Governor of the Low Countries (1559–1567 and 1579–1582)” at the AGENART permanent virtual seminar, 12 March 2026

Posted by: Léon Rochard

ABSTRACT

Margaret of Parma’s role as governor of the Low Countries was far from self-evident. Illegitimate daughter of Charles V, it is unclear whether she was appointed because of her loyalty to Philip II and the Habsburg or because of her political experience. Her attempts at managing the revolts that led to the independence of the Dutch Republic were repeatedly thwarted by her brother, leading – twice – to her resignation. However, while her reputation remains tarnished to this day, she often quickly adapted to changes in the situation through both political action and carefully timed artistic commissions, hinting at Margaret of Parma’s sensitivity to present events, not only as a politician but also as a patron. Where her power was contested on the political stage, by the leaders of the local revolts in a conflict extensively documented by sometimes caricatural prints, as well as the more legitimate, male members of the Habsburg dynasty and appointed counsellors, artistic commissions could have presented an opportunity to negociate agency over the interpretation of current events. But questions about her personal involvement and the intended public of these commissions challenge our understanding of agency as a notion. This paper will shed light on the potential of confronting the notion of artistic agency and questions of temporality, exploring the connections between politics and patronage within a corpus attracting renewed scientific interest.

INFORMATION AND ACCESS TO THE SESSION

Léon Rochard

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