Arkivism
The Tree of the Covenant, 1578
Public domain

The Tree of the Covenant, 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 sit on the left and right Love (Charitas) and Divine Order (Ordo Divinus), next to each an empty shield. Together with the female personifications of Faith (Fiducia) and Concord (Eendracht), they carry a cord from which the coats of arms of the seventeen provinces hang. Fiducia tramples Deceit (Fallacia) and Concord banishes Discord (Discordia). In the center lies 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 SpainAgreement, UnityCharity, 'Caritas'Fidelity'Fedeltà' (Ripa)Disagreement, Discord'Discordia' (Ripa)Delusion, Fallacy'Prima Impressione' (Ripa)
Credit lineDe Boom van het Verbond, 1578. 1578. Wierix. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
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