Allegory of the Treaty of Westminster 1674

Gerard de Lairesse’s "Allegory of the Treaty of Westminster" is a black and white etching depicting a grand scene of the signing of the Treaty of Westminster. The artwork is an allegory, using symbolic figures and objects to represent the event. The Treaty of Westminster, signed in 1674, was a peace treaty between England and the Dutch Republic. The etching is now on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The scene is presented in a theatrical setting with a group of figures standing around a table, likely signing the treaty. At the top of the piece a crowned figure sits on a cloud above the group and holds a chain connecting two figures. This allegorical figure may represent peace. The etching was a popular medium of art during the 17th century.