The Chariot Procession of Neptune, Held on May 28th, from an Album with Prints recording the Festivities and Decorations organized in Florence for the 1589 Wedding of Archduke Ferdinand de' Medici and Christine of Lorraine

Art Historical Context

Behold *The Chariot Procession of Neptune, Held on May 28th*, an exquisite etching from a lavish album chronicling the grand festivities in Florence for the 1589 wedding of Archduke Ferdinand de' Medici and Christine of Lorraine. Created between 1589 and 1592, this print captures a dramatic highlight of the celebrations: a triumphal chariot parade honoring the sea god Neptune, symbolizing naval power and the Medici family's maritime ambitions. Florence's streets transformed into a theatrical spectacle, blending mythology with political pomp to affirm the dynasty's prestige. Renowned designer Bernardo Buontalenti, known as "Bernardo delle Girandole" for his fireworks expertise, likely orchestrated these events, with Epifanio d'Alfiano executing the etching. Etching—a precise intaglio technique using acid to bite designs into metal plates—allowed detailed reproduction of the ephemeral pageantry, preserving floats, costumes, and crowds for posterity. This medium was revolutionary for disseminating Renaissance splendor beyond elite viewers. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this 10 9/16 × 15 13/16-inch sheet (Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1931) offers a window into Medici extravagance, where art, theater, and power intertwined to dazzle Europe.

About the Artist

Epifanio d'Alfiano|Bernardo Buontalenti (Bernardo delle Girandole)|Ferdinando I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany|Christine of Lorraine, Grand Duchess of Tuscany (Italian|Italian) · 1526 |1581 –1608 |1607

Italian, Florence ca. 1531–1608 Florence|Italian, ca. 1581–1607