Triomfpoort ter ere van de vrouwen, 1599 1599

Editor: Here we have Pieter van der Borcht the Elder's "Triomfpoort ter ere van de vrouwen" from 1599, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. It’s an engraving that's been beautifully hand-colored, and the scene just bursts with such civic pride and Baroque exuberance. Looking at it, I'm curious...what significance do you find in this depiction of a triumphal arch dedicated to women? Curator: Oh, now this one sings to me! Beyond the obvious fanfare—the blaring trumpets of perspective, the allegorical figures jostling for space, like opinions at a town meeting—it’s a fascinating snapshot of a society wrestling with its own ideals. Look at the date: 1599. This arch wasn’t a permanent structure of stone and mortar, darling, but likely a temporary construction. Like a magnificent sandcastle built on the shifting sands of political theatre, this was fleeting. Think about it: dedicating a triumphal arch to women. It’s audacious! But what does it really mean? Is it genuine reverence, or clever political posturing, especially in a world still clinging to patriarchal norms? Do you notice the symbolism present in this Baroque-style cityscape, specifically the use of color? Editor: It's almost like they are celebrating an ideal version of women while the reality might be different? Also the Baroque emphasis on dynamic movement creates a kind of drama that almost begs for closer examination. Curator: Precisely! The arch itself becomes a stage, a carefully constructed narrative. But peek behind the curtain, and you'll find the complexities. How are women actually represented in other areas of Dutch society at that time? What impact did visual representation have in reinforcing power imbalances and existing stereotypes? Those are things this print makes me wonder about, and art’s special kind of magic – that it invites endless questions… Editor: So, it's more than just a pretty picture; it's a reflection—and maybe even a bit of a critique—of the society that created it. Curator: Exactly! It’s a conversation starter, and reminds me that even celebratory gestures can hold hidden depths and uncomfortable truths. Editor: I'll never look at triumphal arches the same way again! Thanks for showing me this angle.