Wenceslas Hollar (1607-1677): Proclamation of the Peace of Munster, c. 1648
Etching, 21,5 x 33,4 cm
Museum Plantin-Moretus/Print room

In 1648 a definitive peace treaty was signed between various regions in Europe who waged war because of disparate interpretations of their Christian faith: “Catholics” versus “Protestants”. On this print can be seen the official declaration of this peace treaty in Antwerp with in the background the city hall and in the foreground the dignitaries and a listening crowd, who counted themselves lucky that the perils of war were finally over.