Vreugdelied bij de viering van de Vrede van Rijswijk, 1697 1697

This 1697 anonymous print celebrates the Peace of Rijswijk with an allegory of peace achieved through unity. Notice the central image of figures gathered around what appears to be a litter or carriage, likely representing the unification. Flags abound, symbols of national identity and power, now at rest as symbols of unity. We can trace the motif of communal celebration back to ancient Roman triumphs, where military victories were commemorated with processions and public festivities. Similarly, the iconography of flags and national symbols has evolved over centuries, shifting from expressions of conquest to emblems of national pride and unity. Consider the psychological dimension: such public displays of unity serve to reinforce collective identity and shared values, appealing to a deep-seated human need for belonging and security. Yet, such symbols are never static. The flags, the procession – all are imbued with the ever-changing meanings ascribed to them by successive generations. This image is a moment in the non-linear progression of symbols, resurfacing and evolving across time.