A procession in Paris, 1612, to mark dynastic marriages joining France and Spain. Etching by M. Merian after C. Chastillon, 16--.

The event marked the announcement of the double dynastic marriage joining France and Spain: Elizabeth of France was engaged to the Prince of the Asturias (later King Philip IV), while Anne of Austria was engaged to King Louis XIII. "From 5 to 7 April a spectacular carrousel was performed on the recently completed Palace Royale and the public could admire the marvellous chariots decorated with mythological and exotic images. The pageant was inspired by chivalric themes: the Palace of Felicity, for example, set up at the centre of the square, was defended by Knights of Glory (Nevers, Guise, his brother Joinville, Bassompierre, and La Châtaigneraie). On the second day the Te Deum was sung in Notre Dame. Lights illuminated the city: when night fell, the citizens put lanterns of coloured paper in their windows, in Italian fashion, to provide a triumphant route for the chariots and these aroused much admiration. On the third day, the knights ran at the ring, and the Palace of Felicity was consumed in fireworks"-- Nicolas Le Roux, in McGowan, op. cit., p. 27. The marriages took place in 1615