Pompa Introitus

This book describes and illustrates the Joyous Entry of the Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand in 1635; it contains forty-three etched plates, most of which by Theodoor van Thulden to designs by Peter Paul Rubens. The Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand was cardinal and archbishop of Toledo and the brother of the Spanish King Philip IV, who named him as successor to the Archduchess Isabella who died in 1633. Under the direction of alderman Nicolaas Rockox, the city clerk Jan Gaspard Gevartius and Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp prepared impressive street decorations to show itself at its best to the new prince. The city treasury was unable to finance the entire operation, estimated at 36 000 guilders, and Rockox lent it 8 000 guilders. In addition, the duty on beer was increased to help defray the cost of these large-scale festivities.