Stadhuis van Utrecht waar het vredescongres werd gehouden, 1712 1713 - 1748

Jan Smit's engraving, "Stadhuis van Utrecht waar het vredescongres werd gehouden," likely produced in 1712, presents a meticulously rendered depiction of the Utrecht City Hall. The artist employs a formal composition characterized by a deep central perspective that draws the viewer's eye towards the architectural structures and figures. Smit uses line and form to create a structured image that is also a political representation, reflecting the city's role as a center for international diplomacy. The texture and the use of light and shadow create a dynamic surface that animates the scene. The composition is carefully balanced, with the detailed facade of the Stadhuis serving as a backdrop to the flurry of diplomatic activity in the foreground. The artwork can be seen as more than just a visual record; it functions as a cultural signifier of Utrecht's historical importance and the pursuit of peace. The formal precision and attention to detail do not just document a place, but also suggest a cultural and political order.