Portugese triomfboog (achterzijde), 1594 1594 - 1595

Pieter van der Borcht created this print of a Portuguese Triumphal Arch in 1594. It's an engraving, allowing for detailed lines and shading that bring the arch to life. This print commemorates a specific event, likely a royal entry or a military victory. In the late 16th century, these arches were erected as temporary structures to honor rulers. This image acts as a record of the event. The arch itself is adorned with symbolic figures representing the rivers Ganges, Hydaspes, Tagus and the Rio de la Plata. This symbolism, along with the flags, statues and coats of arms, construct a political narrative. Van der Borcht created this print in the Netherlands, a region then experiencing its own political and cultural shifts during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. This image is a window into the world of political symbolism and public spectacle in early modern Europe. To fully understand this print, we would need to delve into primary sources of the period, such as accounts of royal entries, emblem books, and political pamphlets.