Henry IV (1050-1106). German king (1056-1105). Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Humiliation of Canossa (January 1077). Pope Gregory VII ordered Henry IV to present before him wearing the clothes of a penitent and barefoot, handing the crown to him, acknowledging that he was unworthy to wear it. After three days in the open, the Pope received him and absolved him, on condition that he would appear before the assembly of German princes, submitting any decision to the Pope's approval, and that he would not possess the authority and privileges of royal dignity. Penance of Henry IV. Chromolithography. "Historia Universal" (Universal History), by Cesar Cantu. Volume V. Published in Barcelona, 1884.