Vredesconferentie op Île des Faisans met de koningen Lodewijk XIV en Filips IV 1659 - 1695

This etching by Adam Perelle depicts the Peace Conference on the Île des Faisans, a scene rich with symbols of power and negotiation. The most striking element is the Île des Faisans, a literal and symbolic meeting point between France and Spain. The island as a neutral ground echoes the ancient Greek concept of the omphalos, the world's navel, a place of convergence and mediation. It is like the classical image of the scales of justice, a balancing act between opposing forces. We find parallels in other treaties and agreements, where a carefully chosen location aims to neutralize tensions and foster understanding. Consider how such symbols resonate through time, reappearing in different guises, yet always carrying the weight of human aspiration for balance and harmony. This image, etched in ink, serves as a potent reminder of our collective, recurring quest for equilibrium.