Allegorie op de zegevierende Habsburgse Nederlanden 1685 - 1696

Daniël met de Penningen created this allegory of the victorious Habsburg Netherlands with etching. Notice how the composition is structured vertically in three distinct registers, each contributing to the symbolic narrative. At the base, defeated figures suggest subjugation, their bodies rendered with a classical realism that contrasts with the more idealized figures above. Ascending, the heraldic shields represent various regions, visually binding them under Habsburg rule. The lion on the second tier, a symbol of strength, supports female figures embodying virtues and governance, all bathed in a celestial light that suggests divine approval. This structured arrangement implies a clear hierarchy of power. The etching technique, with its fine lines and detailed shading, enhances the allegorical impact, creating a sense of depth and importance. The artist is presenting a world where power and order are visually manifest. Ultimately, this work is not just a depiction, it’s a carefully constructed argument about authority and legitimacy, presented through a symbolic visual language.