Triomf van Faam 1750

Silvester Pomarede created the Triumph of Fame, an engraving measuring 385 by 513 millimeters, which depicts a procession celebrating fame. This allegorical scene invites us to consider how societies define and immortalize achievements. The print shows Fame riding atop a car drawn by lions, trumpeting the arrival of celebrated figures. We see that it is a triumph “a Francisco Petrarca” (a triumph from Petrarch). Look at the slain figure on the cart and ask yourself, who gets sacrificed in the pursuit of recognition? This work prompts us to reflect on the values that underpin the pursuit of glory. How do cultural and historical contexts shape our understanding of fame? The procession is populated by figures representing virtue, the arts, and military and civic leaders. It presents a complex interplay between life, death, and enduring legacy. Consider the emotional weight of choosing who is remembered, and who is forgotten. How does this scene reflect or challenge societal norms around who is deemed worthy of historical recognition?