Kessel, (B.?) van – Allegorie op de vrede, 1700-1725 Rijksmuseum: part 4

The composition presents a complex scene centered around a fallen figure, presumably male, who dominates the foreground. He is clad in armor, though his posture suggests defeat and vulnerability; he kneels on the ground, head bowed, with one leg visibly wounded by a spear protruding from his thigh. The artist has rendered him with considerable detail, emphasizing the texture of his garments and the strain etched upon his face.
Surrounding this central figure are several other individuals, each contributing to the narrative’s layered meaning. To his left stands a man in military attire, seemingly offering assistance or perhaps observing the scene with a mixture of pity and authority. A woman, draped in flowing robes, appears to be interceding on behalf of the fallen warrior, her gesture conveying compassion and a plea for mercy. Further back, another figure, also dressed in classical garb, holds what seems to be a banner or standard, adding an element of civic importance to the tableau.
Flanking the scene are two cherubic figures with wings, typical of allegorical representations. One appears to offer a laurel wreath, a symbol of victory and honor, while the other gestures towards a discarded pile of weaponry – swords, helmets, and shields – lying on the ground. This accumulation of arms underscores the cessation of conflict and the triumph of peace.
The background is rendered in muted tones, suggesting a landscape shrouded in mist or twilight. The limited depth of field focuses attention squarely on the figures in the foreground, intensifying their emotional impact. A large dog stands near the fallen warrior, its posture mirroring his own sense of dejection.
Subtly woven into this visual narrative are themes of reconciliation and the consequences of war. The wounded figure’s vulnerability contrasts with the protective gestures of those around him, suggesting a transition from conflict to healing. The discarded weapons symbolize not just an end to hostilities but also a potential for renewal and rebuilding. The presence of the winged figures reinforces the notion that this scene transcends mere earthly events, hinting at divine intervention or a higher moral order. Overall, the painting conveys a message about the fragility of power, the importance of compassion, and the enduring hope for peace following periods of strife.