De vrede van Nijmegen, 1678 1678

This is an engraving, made in 1678 by an anonymous artist, depicting the Peace of Nijmegen. This series of treaties marked the end of the Franco-Dutch War and subsequent conflicts involving numerous European powers. The image offers us insight into the complex negotiations, and their broad impact on European society. Its focus on powerful, male figures, reminds us that diplomacy and conflict were historically the domain of men. Yet, peace inevitably touches everyone, shaping the lives of those often excluded from its formal processes. Consider the emotional weight carried by those who experienced this peace. The relief of war ending, the reshaping of borders, and the rebuilding of lives. This print, though formal in its depiction of power, serves as a reminder of the deeply personal and human dimensions of peace, and how these international agreements have very real consequences on individual lives and communities.