Inhoudsopgave voor: Vorstelyke Staat-Balans, 1709-1710 1710

This is a page from "Inhoudsopgave voor: Vorstelyke Staat-Balans, 1709-1710,” made around that time by Abraham Allard. Allard was active during a period of significant political and social upheaval in Europe. This publication reflects the complex dynamics of war and peace, especially how these themes were spun to the Dutch public. The text presents a series of allegorical representations addressing the balance between war and peace, and it’s striking how gendered the language is, presenting war as a masculine endeavor, whilst peace is embodied as feminine. The language is very persuasive as it attempts to shape public opinion during the War of the Spanish Succession. Notice how the titles themselves, such as "The Precursor to General Peace" and "The Festinant for Peace," are imbued with emotional appeal, promising relief from the hardships of war. It highlights the emotional toll of conflict, while underscoring the very human desire for peace.