Allegorie op het Bestand en de vereniging der partijen, 1609 1609

This 1609 etching by Elias van den Bossche, titled "Allegory of Peace and Union of Parties", depicts a complex allegory of political unity. The artwork features a central chariot pulled by horses representing peace (Pax) driven by justice (Justitia), symbolizing the unification of the Dutch provinces. Surrounding the chariot, figures representing various virtues and individuals of political significance add to the complex allegory. The piece was likely intended as a celebration of the end of the Twelve Years' Truce, a period of fragile peace between the Netherlands and Spain. The artwork is now in the Rijksmuseum and measures 262 mm high by 352 mm wide.