Arkivism
The Tree of the Union, 1578
Public domain

The Tree of the Union, 1578

Wierix · 1578 · engraving; paper

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Political allegory from 1578 with the Tree of Peace (Arbor Pacis) in the center; above in the tree, the coat of arms of Philip II into which a heart is placed from heaven; in the branches, on the left and right, Love (Charitas) and Divine Order (Ordo Divinus), next to the coat of arms of Matthias of Austria and William of Orange. Together with the female personifications of Fidelity (Fiducia) and Concord (Eendracht), they hold a cord to which the coats of arms of the seventeen provinces hang. Fiducia tramples Deceit (Fallacia), and Concord drives out Discord (Discordia). In the center, lying on the ground, an open Bible with a sword. Behind the tree, angels drive away monsters and wild beasts. In the caption, four verses of eight lines each in Dutch, Latin, French, and German.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Subjects
printpropagandaprentPhilip II of SpainWilliam I (Prince of Orange)Agreement, UnityCharity, 'Caritas'Fidelity'Fedeltà' (Ripa)
Credit lineDe Boom van het Verbond, 1578. 1578. Wierix. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
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