Triomfwagen van Kallo (rechterhelft); intocht van Ferdinand te Antwerpen in 1635 (nr. 43) 1639 - 1641

Theodoor van Thulden created this detailed print, ‘Triumphal Carriage of Kallo (right half); Entry of Ferdinand into Antwerp in 1635’, using engraving techniques. The density of lines builds up a rich texture and tonal range, creating a dramatic and complex scene dominated by the titular triumphal carriage. Van Thulden employs classical symbolism, layering figures, flags, and emblems to convey the power and authority of Ferdinand's entry. The print's structure, with its pyramid of figures atop the carriage, leads the eye upward through the scene. We can read this as a carefully constructed piece of propaganda, using visual rhetoric to celebrate Ferdinand's reign. The formal arrangement lends itself to a semiotic interpretation, where each element serves as a signifier within a larger cultural and political narrative. Notice how the artist uses line to define form and create depth. This technique not only enhances the visual impact but also invites the viewer to decode the layers of meaning embedded within the artwork. This speaks to art’s capacity to operate on both an aesthetic and a deeply intellectual plane.