Titelpagina voor de Europische Mercurius voor het jaar 1709 1709

This is an anonymous print from 1709, a title page for the ‘Europische Mercurius’, or European Mercury, a journal published in the Dutch Republic. The image encapsulates the cultural and political climate of the time, specifically in relation to the ongoing wars in Europe. Note how the central image depicts a triumphant carriage bearing the figure of Pax, or peace, while below, suffering figures represent the ravages of war. In the background, the skyline of Paris is visible, a nod to France’s central role in the conflicts of the era. The journal itself, ‘Europische Mercurius’, served as a form of public discourse, informing and shaping public opinion during a time of intense political upheaval. To understand this image more fully, we could examine the history of Dutch print culture, the role of journals in shaping public discourse, and the political context of the wars of the early 18th century.