The Arcade of the Emperors
Rubens designed this magnificent temporary structure for the 1635 entry of Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand into Antwerp, creating a theatrical welcome fit for royalty. The text 'Porticus Caesareo-Austriaca' identifies it as the Imperial Austrian Arcade, a curved colonnade packed with statues of Habsburg emperors and topped with fluttering flags and a towering central obelisk. Though it looks like solid marble, this festival architecture was actually built from wood and canvas, meant to dazzle visitors for just a few days. These spectacular stage sets turned the city streets into a celebration of Habsburg power, surviving today only through detailed prints like this one.
- Technique
- engraving
- Material
- paper