Allegorie op de Vrede van Aken, 1748 1697 - 1748

This etching, *Allegory on the Peace of Aachen*, was created in 1748 by Pieter van den Berge. The eye is immediately drawn to the allegorical figures tightly grouped and densely packed with symbolic elements within a composition that merges earthly and celestial realms. Van den Berge employs a rigorous semiotic framework, using each element as a signifier within a larger system of meaning. The classical architecture, the vanquished figures of war, the central pillar, and the figures in the sky all converge to communicate the virtues and benefits of peace. Note the calculated way in which the image juxtaposes the chaotic dynamism of war with the serene, ordered space of peace, suggesting a transition from disorder to harmony. The contrast between light and shadow further dramatizes the scene, guiding our eyes through the complex layering of symbols. While this work celebrates a specific historical event, its enduring appeal lies in its clever manipulation of form and its rich engagement with cultural codes.