Peace of 1814 and Centennial of the House of Brunswick: A View of the Temple of Concord in Green Park, London, August 1, 1814 1814

This print by Frederick Calvert depicts the fireworks in Green Park, London, celebrating the Peace of 1814 and the centennial of the House of Brunswick. It captures a moment of national rejoicing, but also reveals the social and political dynamics of the time. The temporary Temple of Concord becomes a stage for displaying power and unity after years of war with France. Visual codes, like the fireworks, the illuminations, and the orderly crowds, reinforce a sense of national pride. The image subtly promotes the authority of the monarchy, which had recently overcome a major challenge from Napoleon. To understand the print fully, one might consult contemporary newspapers and pamphlets, as well as government records. This can help to illuminate the complex meanings of peace and national identity in early 19th-century Britain. Artworks like this one serve as valuable historical documents, reflecting the social conditions that shaped their creation.