Deel van een processie met mannen te paard 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella's etching presents a segment of a procession, filled with men on horseback adorned with elaborate plumes and finery. The horse, a symbol of power and nobility since antiquity, carries riders decked in feathers, evoking images of ancient triumphal entries. Consider the feathered headdresses, they echo the wings of Mercury, the swift messenger of the gods, yet here, they adorn not gods but men, suggesting a divine right or elevated status. This echoes in later Baroque displays of power, such as royal entries, where rulers consciously borrowed symbols from antiquity to legitimise and amplify their authority. The act of parading on horseback transcends mere display; it’s a powerful statement of control and dominance. These processions are deeply embedded in our collective memory, resurfacing in various forms throughout history. Their emotional impact lies in their capacity to stir feelings of awe, reverence, and, perhaps, a touch of fear. The psychological power of such displays cannot be underestimated, engaging viewers on a primal, subconscious level.