Het afkondigen van de vrede gesloten tussen de Staten-Generaal en het bestuur van Algiers, 1726 1726 - 1728

This engraving by Leonard Schenk captures the declaration of peace between the States-General and Algiers in 1726. It offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of 18th-century international relations. Look closely and you’ll see a crowd gathered, their gestures and expressions conveying a mix of relief and celebration. But, who does this peace truly serve? Consider the layers of power at play here: the Dutch Republic, a major maritime power, negotiating with Algiers, a significant player in the Mediterranean. This event highlights the intersection of trade, diplomacy, and military strength, all set against the backdrop of a society grappling with its own identity on the global stage. Schenk's engraving invites us to reflect on how such declarations of peace mask underlying tensions and inequalities. It encourages us to consider whose voices are amplified in the historical narrative, and whose are silenced.