Plate 14: Six figures marching in a procession, two atop horses, a snake at bottom center; plate from 'Repraesentatio Der Fürstlichen Auffzug und Ritterspil... Herrn Johann Friderichen Hertzogen zu Württenberg und Teckh... und Fürstin Barbara Sophien ...' Stuttgart, November 6, 1609 1611

Balthasar Küchler created this engraving around 1609, as one plate in a series documenting a royal procession and tournament in Stuttgart. This artwork provides insight into the cultural values and social hierarchies of the German court at the beginning of the 17th century. Allegorical figures such as "Germana Fides" (German Faith) and "Sinceritas" (Sincerity) are paraded on horseback. Meanwhile, figures like "Dissidentia" (Dissension) and "Simulatio" (Simulation) are depicted on foot, suggesting a visual metaphor for moral virtues triumphing over vices. The presence of figures like "Simulatio," who wears a mask, serves as a stark reminder that outward appearances can be deceiving. This reflects the anxieties of a society grappling with religious conflict and political intrigue. The contrast between the idealized figures on horseback and the more grotesque figures on foot creates a visual hierarchy that reinforces the importance of social order and moral rectitude. This image speaks to the human desire for authenticity and transparency in an era marked by duplicity and uncertainty.