Erepoort voor de inhuldiging van keizer Karel VI als hertog van Lotharingen en Brabant te Brussel, 1717 1717

Jan Baptist Berterham created this print in 1717, depicting a grand structure made for the inauguration of Emperor Charles VI. Notice how the composition is symmetrically arranged, which lends a sense of formality and order to the scene. The entire structure, with its multiple tiers and layers of decoration, directs your eye upward. The arch is more than just a celebratory monument. It is a calculated display of imperial power and magnificence. The architectural elements—columns, statues, and decorative emblems—create a visual language that reinforces the Emperor’s authority and legitimacy. Berterham uses the formal language of Baroque art to suggest the Emperor's ability to maintain political stability. Consider how the linear precision and intricate detailing don't just represent the physical attributes of the structure. It also serves as a symbolic representation of the Emperor's far-reaching influence. Here, form is an extension of political strategy, with the visual elements carefully orchestrated to create a sense of awe and reverence.