Centrum van Europa

This Waal painting tells the story of the Peace of Nijmegen (1678-1679). Europe at that time was ravaged by wars between the Republic, France, Spain and their allies. Representatives from all over Europe came to the Waalstad in 1678 to negotiate peace. The city was suddenly full of splendor. The talks were difficult, but finally on August 10, 1678, peace was concluded between the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands and France. This Walloon painting shows the signing of the peace agreement, the carriage of the papal envoy and the exorbitant wine fountain that arose on the Grote Markt in honor of the birth of the German emperor's son.