Allegorie op het verdrag van Altona, 1689 1689 - 1691

This etching, Allegorie op het verdrag van Altona, was created in 1689 by Pieter van den Berge, and is now held in the Rijksmuseum. The composition is a dense arrangement of figures and symbols, organized into distinct zones that require a careful, methodical reading. Notice how the vertical columns and the obelisk divide the scene into sections, each filled with allegorical figures representing peace, justice, and prosperity. The structural clarity is complicated by the use of dramatic, contrasting light and shadow which adds depth and complexity. The detailed rendering and the strategic placement of elements are not merely decorative; they invite us to decode the layered meanings related to the Treaty of Altona. The map in the lower right and the portraits of dignitaries function as signs that point to specific historical contexts and the power dynamics at play. This layering encourages a re-evaluation of historical narratives through visual and symbolic language.