Nieulandt, Adriaen van (I) – Allegorie op de vredestijd onder stadhouder Willem II, 1650 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a complex allegorical scene dominated by a hierarchical arrangement of figures and symbolic elements. The upper portion is filled with celestial beings – angels and putti – floating amidst swirling clouds. These figures are engaged in celebratory actions: blowing trumpets, holding banners displaying heraldic emblems, and generally conveying an atmosphere of divine blessing and approval. Their presence establishes a sense of the sacred sanctioning events unfolding below.
Below this heavenly realm, a central group commands attention. A regal couple, adorned in elaborate attire and seated upon a throne flanked by lions, occupies a prominent position. The man is dressed in military garb, suggesting authority and leadership, while the woman wears a rich gown, indicative of her status and role as consort. A young child sits on his father’s lap, likely symbolizing the continuation of the dynasty. They are positioned directly beneath the celestial figures, reinforcing their legitimacy and divine right to rule.
The foreground is populated by a chaotic assemblage of personifications and allegorical figures representing various aspects of peace and its absence. A female figure, identifiable as Peace through her attributes – olive branch and cornucopia – actively dispels the remnants of war. Broken weapons – swords, shields, spears – lie scattered across the ground, trampled upon by a throng of individuals who appear to be celebrating or rejoicing in the cessation of hostilities. Figures representing Justice, Fortitude, and other virtues are interspersed within this group, contributing to the overall message of restored order and prosperity.
The artist employed a dramatic use of light and shadow to heighten the emotional impact of the scene. The central figures are bathed in a warm, golden glow, contrasting with the darker tones that envelop the foreground, where the defeated forces of war are depicted. This contrast emphasizes the triumph of peace over conflict. The composition’s density and layering of symbolic elements suggest a deliberate attempt to convey a complex message about governance, divine favor, and the benefits of a peaceful era. The overall effect is one of triumphant celebration, underpinned by a sense of solemnity and the weight of responsibility associated with maintaining that peace.