Vrede van Fontainebleau tussen de keizer en de Republiek der Verenigde Nederlanden, en het verbond met de koning van Frankrijk 1785

This silver medal, crafted by Johan George Holtzhey in the 18th century, commemorates the Peace of Fontainebleau. Dominating the scene is a figure of Justice, scales in hand, seated beneath radiant light, symbolizing divine approval of the treaty. An angel trumpets the news of peace, while a putto rests, suggesting a return to tranquility. The motif of Justice with scales is not new; she is an ancient concept, seen in Roman art and Renaissance allegories. Her presence here speaks to a desire for order and balance in a world often disrupted by conflict. The angel with a trumpet, reminiscent of classical depictions of Fame, carries the message across borders and time. These symbols are potent, resonating deep within our collective memory. They are not static images frozen in time, however, they are fluid forms that reappear, transformed, throughout our cultural history. These images engage us on a subconscious level, tapping into a universal understanding of justice, peace, and divine order that transcend specific eras or contexts. We see in them a cyclical return of hope, continually resurfacing and adapting in the human quest for harmony.