Vertoning van het Verbond der Vorsten, 1648 1649

Salomon Savery made this print titled, "Vertoning van het Verbond der Vorsten", or "Display of the Covenant of Princes" in 1648. At its heart, this image presents us with the idea of a covenant – a binding agreement – between princes. Made in the Dutch Republic, this print reflects the political and religious tensions of its time. The Dutch Republic had just emerged from the Eighty Years' War with Spain, a conflict deeply rooted in religious and political differences. In the image, you can see figures representing different European powers, possibly engaged in negotiations or alliances. The figures stand before an altar, suggesting the solemnity and religious significance of their agreements. The image suggests the intertwining of political power and religious authority in the 17th century. To understand this artwork better, we can consult historical texts, political pamphlets, and religious documents from the period. Through this research, we can better understand the complex web of social, political, and institutional forces that shaped the image, and how these forces helped give rise to our modern institutions.