Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle: A Plan and Elevation of the Royal Fire-Works, London, 1749 1744 - 1754

George Vertue made this engraving in London in 1749, depicting a plan for the fireworks display celebrating the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle. It offers a glimpse into the cultural and political landscape of 18th-century England, where public spectacle was intertwined with expressions of national identity and power. The print reveals the elaborate nature of these events, with meticulously designed structures and carefully choreographed pyrotechnics. The display was commissioned by the Duke of Montagu, Master General of the Ordnance, highlighting the involvement of state institutions in shaping public perceptions of peace and prosperity under the Georgian monarchy. The prominent "Vivat Rex" inscription underscores the connection between the celebrations and the ruling monarch. This was a moment of relative calm and the state used the opportunity to shore up its own position by aligning itself with the public mood. To fully understand this print, we can consult period documents, such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and official records, to get a deeper appreciation of the social, political, and institutional contexts in which art is made and celebrated.