Vuurwerk bij de viering van de Vrede van Utrecht, 1713

Jacob Keyser made this print of the fireworks during the celebration of the Peace of Utrecht in 1713. It’s fascinating to consider this spectacle in relation to the cultural and political landscape of the early 18th century. The Peace of Utrecht was a series of treaties that ended the War of the Spanish Succession, a major European conflict. Commemorating it with fireworks and public displays speaks volumes about the desire for stability, and also the will to project power and prosperity. Look at the idealized architecture and carefully orchestrated display. Are these elements an attempt to create a sense of unified identity after years of conflict? How did the public receive these representations of peace and power? Were they inclusive, or did they exclude certain groups or perspectives? The print serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between celebrations of peace, the projection of power, and the lived experiences of individuals within society.