Fireworks and triumphal arch erected in Buda to celebrate the expulsion of the Turks, September 1686 1686

This unsigned print at the Met commemorates the expulsion of the Turks from Buda in September 1686. The dominant feature is a meticulously rendered triumphal arch, framing a distant scene of soldiers amidst a burst of fireworks. The contrast between the static architecture and dynamic fireworks creates a compelling visual tension. Formally, the print employs a structured composition with detailed etching. The arch, adorned with classical motifs, stands in stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the fireworks. This juxtaposition destabilizes traditional notions of triumph, questioning whether victory lies in structured power or in the explosive release of conflict. The eagle and crescent at the top suggests a hierarchy of power, yet the fireworks disrupt this order, creating an ambiguous reading. The rigid geometry of the arch clashes with the ephemeral nature of the fireworks, echoing the transient nature of victory itself. Ultimately, this print uses formal elements to explore broader cultural and philosophical discourses around power, conflict, and representation.