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Henry IV of Germany outside the gates of Canossa, Italy, 1077 (1913)
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Henry IV of Germany outside the gates of Canossa, Italy, 1077 (1913)
Henry IV of Germany outside the gates of Canossa, Italy, 1077 (1913). Barefoot, clad in a hair shirt, Henry appeared before the gates, begging for admission. Henry IV (1050-1106) was King of Germany from 1056 and Holy Roman Emperor from 1084. In 1077, he performed penance outside the gates of Canossa Castle in order to persuade Pope Gregory VII to reverse his excommunication. The incident occurred during the Investiture Controversy, a conflict between church and state that broke out in 1075 and led to Germany being embroiled in civil war for almost half a century. From A History of Germany by HE Marshall. Henry IV (1050-1106) was King of Germany from 1056 and Holy Roman Emperor from 1084
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Media ID 15139101
© Historica Graphica Collection / Heritage-Images
11th Century Arthur C Arthur C Michael Canossa Cloak Eleventh Century Emilia Romagna Guard He Marshall Helmet Henrietta Elizabeth Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall Henry Iv Holy Roman Emperor Marshall Michael Penance Salian Dynasty Shirt Spear Walls Emperor Henry Iv Hair Shirt Heinrich Iv Historica Graphica Collection Investiture Controversy Monarchy
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This print captures a significant moment in history - Henry IV of Germany outside the gates of Canossa, Italy, in 1077. In an act of humility and desperation, Henry is depicted barefoot and clad in a hair shirt as he begs for admission to the castle. This powerful image symbolizes his penance and plea for Pope Gregory VII to reverse his excommunication. Henry IV was not only King of Germany but also Holy Roman Emperor during this tumultuous period known as the Investiture Controversy. The conflict between church and state erupted in 1075, plunging Germany into civil war for nearly fifty years. The photograph showcases the medieval architecture of Canossa Castle, situated in Reggio Nell'Emilia, Emilia Romagna, Italy. Its imposing walls stand tall behind Henry IV as he faces the challenge before him. This historical event had profound implications for both religious and political realms. It exemplifies the struggle between monarchs seeking control over ecclesiastical appointments and papal authority asserting its independence from secular rule. Captured by Arthur C Michael in 1913, this print offers us a glimpse into a pivotal moment that shaped European history. It serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play during this era while highlighting Henry IV's determination to reconcile with Pope Gregory VII through acts of penance and submission.
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