Pompa Introitus...Ferdinand, Austriaci. Antwerp

Pompa Introitus...Ferdinand, Austriaci. Antwerp is a monumental etching created by Peter Paul Rubens in 1635. This work serves as a detailed historical document, capturing the Triumphal Entry (Pompa Introitus) of Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Austria into Antwerp, an event designed and orchestrated entirely by Rubens himself to celebrate the military successes and the accession of the new governor. Although better known for his dramatic oil paintings, Rubens frequently utilized printmaking to disseminate his complex architectural and allegorical designs for public spectacles, ensuring the permanence of these otherwise ephemeral decorations.

The etching details the massive scale of the temporary structures erected along the processional route, capturing the atmosphere of Baroque pageantry. The composition is populated by numerous figures of both men and women, who observe or participate in the grand parade. Surrounding the figures are elaborate decorative elements, including carved Trees, heroic allegories, and heraldic displays featuring the powerful imperial Coat of Arms. Mythological figures, such as symbolic Dragons, emphasize the themes of conquest and the strength of the Habsburg monarchy.

Rubens designed the entire series of arches and stages to function as powerful political propaganda, blending classical antiquity with contemporary political messaging. The translation of these intricate designs into etchings allowed for the widespread circulation of the imagery, demonstrating the importance of prints in 17th-century European culture. This specific impression, showcasing the mastery of Rubens's design skills, is preserved within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today, high-resolution images of such historic prints are often accessible through the museum's public domain initiatives.