Het politieke toneel, 1594 1594 - 1595

This is an engraving made in 1594 by Pieter van der Borcht, titled "Het politieke toneel". At first glance, the architectural construction may bring to mind the ephemeral structures erected for triumphal entries and other civic celebrations. The monument features tiers adorned with figures and inscriptions, all crowned by a double-headed eagle, a symbol of imperial authority. The eagle, perched atop the structure, is a symbol that has journeyed through time, from the Roman Empire to the Holy Roman Empire. It evolved from a symbol of military prowess to one of divine sanction. Below, the figures are reminiscent of classical statuary. The torches that flank the upper level, could represent enlightenment or vigilance, but also hint at the volatile political atmosphere of the time. The inscription "Deo Auctore" suggests divine approval. Such motifs reveal how symbols can be both carriers of power and reflections of the collective anxieties and hopes of an era.