c. 1641
The Stage of Mercury
Theodor van ThuldenFlemish, 1606 - 1669
Beginning in the Renaissance, artists often created a range of ephemeral architecture made of paper and papier-mâché to celebrate the arrival of visiting dignitaries. Mock facades and decorative stage sets were placed over existing buildings to suggest a fantasy vision of the city and were adorned with antique capitals and allegorical sculptures. Van Thulden collaborated with the painter Peter Paul Rubens on the temporary decorations for the city of Antwerp to celebrate the triumphal entry of the Cardinal Ferdinand of Spain (1609-1641) in April 1635.
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