The Swearing of the Oath of Ratification of the Treaty of Münster, 15 May 1648

By including significant symbols and the careful arrangement of the picture, the artist seems to be saying that we, as the viewers, should recognize that this treaty is the right thing to do, in accordance with a divine influence.
 

		In the upper center, the artist paints a round chandelier that includes a sculpted image of the Virgin Mary, a symbol of holiness and purity for Christians.
		The elliptical shape of the chandelier is echoed in the bowl-shape arrangement of the heads of attending officials, who are shown taking the oath. This arrangement visually implies a relationship between the oath takers’ actions and the spiritual presence of the Virgin.
		Delegates from Spain, who are turning over power to the Dutch Republic, are shown reaching towards a Bible and a cross, another holy Christian symbol. The gesture is meant to signify the righteousness and sanctity of the event.
		The artist, shown at the far left, is in attendance, but his eyes look toward us. This “eye contact” makes us a part of the action as witnesses to the event.

Although this painting is meant as a historical document, the artist endows it with spiritual significance by the implied presence of the Christian church.

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Image & Image Details: The Swearing of the Oath of Ratification of the Treaty of Münster, 15 May 1648, 1648; Oil on copper. The National Gallery. Photo: © National Gallery, London.