the arch has emanated a foreign aura since its erection in 1737-1739 by the newly-arrived french architect, jean nicolas jadot, to welcome the arrival (or visit) of the new ruler francis stephen, former duke of lorraine. some sources add the efforts of francesco schamant of lorraine to the design. the statuary was not added until 1744. however, many ephemeral decorations including tapestries were used along via san gallo to welcome the ruler in january 1739. this new duke's stay in florence was short lived as he quickly moved to vienna to become emperor. the next duke, francis' second son, viennese-born leopold, would not be named duke until 1765, when he moved to florence with his spanish-born wife.