Het geopende graf van Mars, ca. 1707-1708 1707 - 1708

Editor: This is Carel Allard's "Het geopende graf van Mars," or "The Opened Grave of Mars," created around 1707-1708. It's an engraving on paper at the Rijksmuseum. I'm struck by how it uses classical imagery to maybe make a point about war and death, a sort of morbid scene playing out as an open book. What do you see in this piece, considering its historical moment? Curator: Well, the title itself, "The Opened Grave of Mars," tells us much. Mars, the Roman god of war, having his tomb opened suggests a commentary on the futility of war itself. In early 18th century Europe, especially in the Netherlands which experienced its golden age followed by the Franco-Dutch war, there was great deal of war. It can be interpreted through the socio-political lens of a society fatigued by conflict, one maybe yearning for peace and stability, questioning the supposed glory of war. Do you see the figures around the grave? Editor: Yes, they seem almost hesitant, burdened, not triumphant in a celebratory way, but subdued. Curator: Exactly. And note the presence of allegorical figures above – perhaps representing wisdom or divine judgment, juxtaposed against the harsh reality below. The landscape style, despite its classical framing, hints at a more earthly concern. I wonder if the book-form itself suggests a critique, a narrative laid bare for public consumption to judge, and also for learning what comes with war. Editor: I hadn't considered the book format as integral to its message, but I see how it invites reflection and maybe invites viewers to study Mars' grave as a warning. Thanks. Curator: And I see that it also might represent just another of many such periods and occurrences which come and go with historical reality. These prints are evidence to our historical awareness that even these scenes and opinions have happened many times before.