Vrede c. 1585 - 1590

Editor: Here we have Philips Galle’s “Vrede,” created sometime between 1585 and 1590. It's an engraving. I’m struck by the figure’s calm demeanor, even with those broken weapons at her feet. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Ah, a potent image steeped in symbolism. Notice the figure is "Pax," Latin for Peace, crowned with olive leaves. The broken weapons signify the end of conflict, a tangible representation of a desire deeply embedded in the cultural psyche. Consider the palm branch she holds—what does that evoke for you? Editor: Triumphal entry, perhaps? Or victory? Curator: Precisely! It layers the meaning; it's not just about absence of war, but triumph over it. Think of the psychological impact these symbols would have carried, especially during a time of frequent conflict. Peace as not just an end to war, but as an active state, requiring vigilance, symbolized by her watchful gaze. Editor: So it's about more than just a simple desire for tranquility. Curator: Indeed. Galle presents peace as a hard-won achievement, requiring strength, personified by the robust figure. And notice, the image doesn't erase war; it acknowledges it, subduing it to create harmony. It prompts us to ponder: Can peace truly exist without awareness of the potential for conflict? What do you take away from seeing war's reminders there? Editor: The contrast is striking. The possibility of violence underlines peace's value. I initially only saw the calm face, but now those broken weapons feel crucial to understanding the image. Curator: Exactly, and seeing this image anew offers insights into how cultural memory is constructed. We must consider conflict to understand true peace.