Plate 33: Men with heraldic flags and horses from Mechelen and Salins marching in the funeral procession of Archduke Albert of Austria; from 'Pompa Funebris ... Alberti Pii'

Art Historical Context

This striking etching captures a vivid moment from the elaborate funeral procession of Archduke Albert VII of Austria, who died in 1621 after serving as governor of the Spanish Netherlands. Plate 33 from the commemorative volume *Pompa Funebris Alberti Pii* shows mounted participants from Mechelen and Salins carrying heraldic flags and insignia, their horses adorned in ceremonial trappings. Created in 1623, the print preserves the grandeur of Baroque court rituals, where such public displays reinforced political alliances and dynastic prestige across Europe. Designed by Jacques Francquart, a leading Flemish architect and court artist, and etched by Cornelis Galle I, the work exemplifies the collaborative printmaking practices of the early seventeenth century. The medium of etching with hand coloring allowed for both precise detail in the figures and flags and vibrant, individualized touches of color that brought the procession to life for viewers. These prints served not only as records but also as luxurious souvenirs distributed among European nobility. Today in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection, this sheet offers a fascinating window into how art documented and celebrated power during the Counter-Reformation era. The careful arrangement of men, horses, and emblems highlights the symbolic language of heraldry that communicated lineage and loyalty to contemporary audiences.

About the Artist

Jacques Francquart|Cornelis Galle I (French|French) · 1577 |1577 –1651 |1651

French, Brussels 1577–1651 Brussels|French, Brussels 1577–1651 Brussels