Allegorie op de Vrede van Aken, 1748 1747 - 1748

This allegorical print, made in 1748 by Gerrit Sibersma, commemorates the Treaty of Aachen. It reflects the Dutch Republic's yearning for peace after years of conflict. The print is crowded with symbolism which speaks to the complex interplay of identity, power, and the desire for stability. The Dutch Maiden kneels in gratitude, receiving the treaty from the Stadtholder, representing the desire for strong leadership. To the side, Freedom stands with a spear, crowned with laurel, highlighting the intertwined values of peace and liberty. Personifications of the provinces are shown bound together, symbolizing unity under the House of Orange. The overall imagery evokes a sense of relief and celebration, speaking to the emotional toll war had taken on the Dutch populace. This print offers insights into the collective identity of a nation seeking to rebuild and redefine itself in the wake of conflict, capturing both the hope for a prosperous future, and the emotional scars of war.