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
Medium
Etching
Dimensions
Overall: 10 9/16 × 15 13/16 × 9/16 in. (26.8 × 40.1 × 1.4 cm) Plate: 9 1/2 × 13 1/4 in. (24.2 × 33.7 cm)
Classification
Books|Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1931
Accession Number
31.72.5(12)
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 ...
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