De Portugese triomfboog (achterzijde); intocht van Ferdinand te Antwerpen in 1635 (nr. 11) 1639 - 1641

Theodoor van Thulden made this print of the Portuguese Triumphal Arch, commemorating Ferdinand’s entry into Antwerp in 1635. As a print, it is an artwork made using the repeatable process of engraving, a skilled tradition demanding precision and patience to transfer an image onto a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The stark black and white contrast defines the arch's imposing architectural details, from the robust columns to the delicate statues, underscoring the arch's intended message of power and permanence. Every line meticulously etched, contributes to the overall impact, echoing the labor involved in constructing the actual arch it depicts. Prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating political imagery. By translating the physical monument into a portable format, van Thulden ensured its message reached a broader audience. In this way, we can see how the hand-made image participates in a larger economy of image-making and political messaging.