Triomfboog van de Antwerpse magistratuur, 1594 1594 - 1595

Here is a triumphal arch of the Antwerp magistracy, made in 1594 by Pieter van der Borcht the Elder. The engraving depicts a three-tiered structure brimming with symbolism and political messaging. The arch is articulated through strong vertical lines, with each tier divided into distinct panels. On top, figures ride horses led by a sun god, symbolizing power and enlightenment, while the eagle represents imperial authority. Below, are a series of magistrates, framed in individual compartments that emphasize their roles. The arched gateway leads to a scene of commerce, suggesting that civic duty and trade are intertwined. Latin inscriptions adorn the arch, framing it in a tradition of classical virtue and knowledge. The use of perspective and detailed figuration within a small scale suggests the layered order of society. Notice how the arch itself acts as a semiotic framework, structuring the city’s values and authority in a visual spectacle for the viewer. The stark contrast between light and shadow functions not just aesthetically but as a tool for conveying a message of power and governance.