Triomfboog van Ferdinand (voorzijde); intocht van Ferdinand te Antwerpen in 1635 (nr. 26) 1639 - 1641

This etching by Theodoor van Thulden, commemorates Ferdinand's entry into Antwerp in 1635. It presents a triumphal arch teeming with symbols of power and victory. Note how the arch itself, an architectural echo of ancient Roman gateways, signifies not just a passage, but a ritualistic entry into power. Above, allegorical figures, possibly representing virtues or conquered territories, flank a central tableau. Observe the horses, symbols of nobility and control, which are recurring motifs. Consider the torch-bearing figures that illuminate the scene, a direct reference to enlightenment and the dawn of a new era under Ferdinand's rule. The echoes of classical antiquity blend seamlessly with baroque exuberance, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history, where past glories are constantly invoked to legitimize present power. The triumphal arch is not just stone and mortar but a powerful projection of imperial ambition.