Uitgang van de eregalerij, 1594 1594 - 1595

Pieter van der Borcht made this print, “Exit of the Gallery of Honor”, in 1594 using etching and engraving. The architecture of the archway frames the riders, but also acts as a cultural symbol in its own right. Flemish artists of the late 16th century often worked for wealthy patrons, and their art helped to reinforce the power of the elite. Here, the grand architectural structure suggests a triumphal arch. With its Latin inscription, “Behold, Great Leader,” the print seems to be an allegorical representation of power and nobility. The inclusion of putti, or cherubic figures, surrounding a coat of arms, underscores this sense of authority and dynastic legacy. The image can be read as a glorification of aristocratic power. To fully understand this print, we can investigate sources of visual and literary culture from the period. By looking at emblem books, architectural treatises, and records of courtly life, we can further explore the cultural values that shaped the production and reception of this work.