Triumphal arch surmounted by woman seated on a dolphin, four standing figures below, a temporary decoration for the entry of Pope Clement VIII in Bologna in 1598 1598

This etching by Guido Reni, created in 1598, depicts a triumphal arch designed for the entry of Pope Clement VIII into Bologna. Reni, a prominent Baroque artist, captures the grandeur of the temporary structure with intricate detail. The arch features a woman seated on a dolphin at the apex, symbolizing the Pope's arrival by sea. Below, four figures stand in a classical pose, showcasing Reni's mastery of human anatomy and composition. This drawing, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the celebratory architecture of the Renaissance.