De beëdiging van de Vrede van Munster, 1648 18th century

This engraving depicts the ratification of the Peace of Münster in 1648 by an anonymous artist. Note the raised hands—a gesture as old as time itself. In antiquity, raising one's hand was a sign of supplication to the gods, a plea for divine favor. Here, in this 17th-century depiction, it signifies an oath, a solemn promise before witnesses. The raised hand transcends mere legality; it touches upon the very essence of human trust and commitment. Consider how this motif has been deployed across various eras: from ancient Roman senatorial oaths to religious confirmations. The gesture evolves, yet the underlying intent remains—to bind oneself to a higher truth, to a communal agreement. The collective memory embedded in such symbols is a potent force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It reminds us that even in moments of peace, the specter of conflict looms, urging us to remember the vows made and the promises kept. It's a symbol not of resolution, but of the ongoing human struggle to find common ground.