Keizers Karel V en Ferdinand I; intocht van Ferdinand te Antwerpen in 1635 (nr. 20) 1639 - 1641

Theodoor van Thulden created this print, “Emperors Charles V and Ferdinand I; entry of Ferdinand in Antwerp in 1635,” sometime in the 17th century. It depicts statues of past rulers as part of a public festival. Pageantry like this was carefully planned and executed. The statues and temporary arches would have been designed to project power and legitimacy. The placement of these figures in a specific order and their association with particular virtues, would have helped reinforce the ruling family’s authority. In the 17th century, Antwerp was a major port city in the Spanish Netherlands. The Habsburg rulers relied on Antwerp for revenue and political support. Festivals such as royal entries helped solidify that relationship. To fully understand prints such as this, we need to look at civic records, festival books, and other sources to understand the specific context in which these events took place. By doing so, we can move beyond aesthetic appreciation and come to understand the powerful social and political functions of art.