Vertoning van het Ontwapenen van Mars, 1648 1649

Salomon Savery created this print entitled "Vertoning van het Ontwapenen van Mars," or "The Display of the Disarming of Mars" in 1648. It allegorically represents the Netherlands at a pivotal turning point following the Treaty of Münster. Savery highlights the cultural shift from war to peace in the Dutch Republic, a transition deeply entwined with the nation’s identity. The print casts Mars as a symbol of outdated aggression, while celebrating the virtues of peace and prosperity. We see how the female figures of peace welcome a disarmed Mars, ushering in an era of trade and cultural blossoming. In his stance, Mars almost seems to express a vulnerability, leaving behind the hypermasculine identity which defined his warrior status. The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its depiction of hope and relief. Savery captures the collective yearning for stability and progress. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring appeal of harmony.