Triomfboog van de Munt (voorzijde); intocht van Ferdinand te Antwerpen in 1635 (nr. 35) 1639 - 1641

Theodoor van Thulden made this print of the Triumphal Arch of the Mint as part of the decorations for the entry of Ferdinand of Austria into Antwerp in 1635. It commemorates a carefully orchestrated display of power. These temporary structures acted as political stages, meant to solidify the ruler's image in the public eye. In the print, allegorical figures are positioned around the arch, each carefully chosen to communicate specific virtues and attributes of Ferdinand's rule. The figure of Justice, prominently displayed, suggests a commitment to law and order. Busts of bearded men line the base of the structure and reinforce the connection to classical authority. The arch frames the ruler as he passes through it, symbolically and literally entering into power. This print preserves the memory of a specific historical event, but more importantly, it offers insight into the social and political functions of art during the 17th century in the Spanish Netherlands. By consulting period documents such as festival books, we can unpack the meanings embedded within such public displays. The arch is a reminder that art is never neutral, but is often deeply intertwined with the agendas of those in power.