Der Handel und die Wahrheit reichen sich die Hände 

Jacob de Wit rendered "Der Handel und die Wahrheit reichen sich die Hände" in a grisaille wash technique, which immediately evokes a sense of classical antiquity. The composition, with its careful arrangement of figures, draws our attention to the handshake between Trade and Truth, suggesting an allegorical commentary on ethical commerce. De Wit masterfully uses the monochromatic palette to create depth and volume. Notice how the textures, from the flowing drapery to the smooth skin of the putti, are differentiated through subtle variations in tone and delicate lines. This meticulous attention to form reflects a formalist approach, where the subject serves as a vehicle for exploring artistic technique. The act of 'reaching hands' not only creates visual balance but also hints at the structuralist idea of relationships and symbolic exchange. By rendering this encounter in a neoclassical style, De Wit engages with broader cultural codes of the time, imbuing the scene with layers of meaning that extend beyond the purely aesthetic. This interplay between form and content invites us to continuously reinterpret the artwork's message.