Servet met het vredesverdrag van Rijswijk c. 1700

This linen damask tablecloth commemorates the Treaty of Rijswijk. Though anonymous, the maker was undoubtedly Dutch. It's likely it dates from around 1697, the year the treaty was signed in the Netherlands. The imagery woven into the fabric depicts scenes and symbols related to the treaty and its implications. The visual codes of this tablecloth offer insights into the cultural and political climate of the time. The Dutch Republic, a major player in European politics, sought to project an image of stability and prosperity through such objects. The treaty itself marked the end of the Nine Years' War and involved major European powers. Textiles like these were not merely decorative, but served as powerful tools for disseminating political messages and shaping public opinion. They were commissioned by institutions or wealthy individuals. Understanding the historical context requires a deep dive into archival records, political pamphlets, and material culture studies. These can tell us about the social conditions that shaped its production. The tablecloth can offer insights into the ways art and craft were used to negotiate power and identity in early modern Europe.