An allegory of Peace; Peace personified as a woman standing in a landscape holding the left hand of a winged genius 1512 - 1522

This engraving, made by Marcantonio Raimondi, depicts an allegory of peace. Peace is personified as a woman holding the hand of a winged genius, who offers her an olive branch. The olive branch, a symbol of peace since ancient Greece, represents victory and reconciliation, deeply rooted in classical antiquity. But, let us delve deeper: this motif echoes through time, resurfacing in various forms. Think of the Roman Pax, often depicted with similar attributes, embodying the empire's aspiration for tranquility and order. Over time, the embodiment of Peace has shifted and been passed down through history, from divine figures to allegorical representations during the Renaissance. The subtle gesture of holding hands speaks volumes, conveying a desire for harmony on a subconscious level. Note that Raimondi captures peace not merely as an absence of conflict, but as a dynamic interplay between forces. The motif engages us on a deep, subconscious level, reminding us of the ever-present hope for concord. The cyclical progression of the olive branch has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.