Peace Urging the Churches to be Tolerant 1600 - 1624

Editor: This is an intriguing oil painting, "Peace Urging the Churches to be Tolerant," created between 1600 and 1624. It's currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, and its artist is anonymous. The scene is quite busy and feels very symbolic... What symbols or cultural references jump out at you? Curator: Well, my eye immediately goes to the figure of Peace herself, pulling back the man reaching for a flaming cauldron. The cauldron signifies discord and potentially violence stoked by religious intolerance. Peace offers a sprig to replace the conflict. What kind of memories does the laurel signify here? Editor: Oh, the laurel could symbolize a desire for honour or reconciliation, I guess. There’s also a lute player...what does the instrument contribute to the allegorical implications of the piece? Curator: Yes, and consider the placement alongside the clerical figures enjoying what seems to be a communal meal. The lute, traditionally associated with harmony and refined culture, suggests a desired state of concord amongst the different faiths represented, which is highlighted by being centered between three paintings of families. Editor: It’s fascinating how the artist uses domestic space to make an argument for a kind of brotherly love...Were the religious tensions pretty bad in this period? Curator: Exceedingly so. The painting can be seen as a visual argument, urging viewers to rise above dogma to reach understanding. Note the various texts adorning the walls…How might these written additions reinforce the painting’s message? Editor: I missed those! They almost seem like captions, reiterating the theme of tolerance in different ways. Seeing all the elements combined like this is incredibly powerful and revealing. Curator: Indeed. And remembering it comes from a time of conflict is vital to appreciating it. It urges tolerance to all viewers today.