Schouwburg van den oorlog (blad XXII), 1721 1721 - 1722

Leonard Schenk created this print in 1721, titling it ‘Theatre of War, plate XXII’. It depicts the stages of the Treaty of Nijmegen, the conclusion of the Franco-Dutch war. The image creates meaning through visual codes typical of its time, presenting nine scenes which show the peace process. These range from military displays to diplomatic negotiations and the formal signing of the treaty. Made in the Netherlands, the print reflects the Dutch Republic's central role in European politics at the time. The war had a profound impact on Dutch society, influencing its economy, political alliances, and cultural identity. Prints like this served a crucial public role, disseminating news and shaping public opinion about significant events. The Rijksmuseum holds a wealth of such images, providing historians with valuable resources for understanding the social and institutional contexts that shaped artistic production and reception in the past. These sources reveal how art both reflected and influenced social norms.