Bas-reliëf met twee soldaten die een verbond sluiten 1636 - 1647

Reinier van Persijn made this print of a bas-relief with two soldiers sealing a bond sometime in the mid-17th century. The image shows two men, likely Roman soldiers, clasping hands in front of a classical architectural structure. In the Dutch Republic of the 1600s, civic virtue and military might were often linked in the cultural imagination. The Dutch were fighting for independence from Spain, so images of strong, honorable soldiers resonated deeply. We might see this print as reflecting and reinforcing the values of Dutch society during a time of conflict. The handshake symbolizes unity and agreement, essential for success in war and politics. To fully understand this work, we need to look at the broader context of Dutch art and politics. Contemporary political pamphlets, military histories, and emblem books would shed light on the meanings associated with military alliances. Remember, art doesn't exist in a vacuum, it is shaped by the society that produces it.