Allegorie op de Noordse Oorlog, ca. 1658 1658 - 1659

This allegory of the Northern War was printed around 1658 by an anonymous artist. It depicts a violent struggle between various animals in a staged arena setting. The image creates meaning through the symbolic use of animals. The lion, bear, elephant, tiger, and eagles, each representing different countries involved in the Northern War, are pitted against each other in a spectacle for a crowd of onlookers. The print reflects the social and political climate of the Dutch Republic during this period, where news and opinions were often disseminated through prints. The arena setting hints at how war was seen as a form of entertainment or a game played out on a grand scale. This image could be seen as a critique of the social structures of the time. Understanding this print requires looking at the historical context of the Northern War and the role of the Dutch Republic in European politics. Investigating period pamphlets, news articles, and diplomatic correspondence helps to reveal the print's meaning as a form of political commentary.