De vrede van Nijmegen, 1678 1678

This engraving, made in 1678 by an anonymous Dutch artist, celebrates the Treaty of Nijmegen. This treaty marked the end of the Franco-Dutch War, a conflict that had significant social and economic impacts on the Netherlands. The image creates meaning through a combination of visual codes and cultural references. At the center, allegorical figures shake hands amidst a large crowd. Flanking this central scene are images that narrate events that occured before and after the signing of the Treaty. The composition is dense with detail, reflecting the complex political landscape of 17th-century Europe. The figures in the sky point to a belief that peace was divinely ordained. To fully understand this work, research into the history of the Dutch Republic and its relationship with France would be helpful. Contemporary pamphlets, political treatises, and diplomatic records can help in understanding the Treaty and its lasting impact on European social and institutional structures. The image itself serves as a historical document, reflecting the values and priorities of Dutch society at the time.