Portugese triomfboog (achterzijde), 1594 1594 - 1595

This engraving by Pieter van der Borcht, titled “Portugese triomfboog (achterzijde)”, depicts the rear side of the triumphal arch erected in Lisbon in 1594 to celebrate the marriage of Philip III of Spain to Margaret of Austria. The intricate design features various allegorical figures, coats of arms, and symbolic elements. The inscription on the arch reads "Erne Sto Avst Archi Princ" (Eternal Austria, Archduke and Prince). The engraving is an example of the artist's skill in architectural representation and his ability to capture the grandeur of the monument. The work offers insights into the visual culture and celebratory practices of the 16th century, and it serves as a valuable document of a now-lost architectural structure.