European governments in 1705-1706 represented as a chemical laboratory which is assailed by warring monarchs; representing the War of the Spanish Succession. Etching after R. de Hooghe, 1706.

The upper etching shows a chemist's laboratory with three kilns operated by various chemists, burning and destroying objects and equipment. The central kiln (1) representing the hegemony of Europe is under attack from warlike virtues. On the roof, a Swiss guard, representing an unwarlike country; behind him, an Italian with a stiletto, and to the left a medallion of the fall of Phaeton, with the motto "Excidit ausis" (he falls from his dares) . On the ground, a cracked and fallen sun inscribed "Ryk van geweld" (reign of violence). On the right, the Pope (A.) is talking to a cardinal (B.) In the right background, the landing of the fleet at a "western port" (11)

At the bottom, three smaller scenes: left, the revenge of a nocturnal ghost on those who do not respect passports (no. 14); centre, the devil in a dream confronting a cardinal who disturbs Europe's peace (no. 15); right, the ghost of King Charles II of Spain troubling his successors by his will (no. 16)

[Amsterdam (Op den Dam] : [Carel Allard], [1706]

1 print : etching, with letterpress ; platemark 25.2 x 35.7 cm

Door kryg vermoeyde Europas vorsten wild na geruste vreede dorsten. pro beLLo paCeM Defessae qVaerIte gentes Translation of lettering: The princes of Europe, exhausted by war, savagely thirst for a restful peace. Peoples exhausted through war, seek peace! Also published with, below the etching, three columns of Dutch verses headed 'T forneys des oorlogs ofte 't krygs-belang van Europa, and four columns of French verse headed La fournaise de la guerre, ou l'intrest militaire de l'Europe, all by A. Allard (Muller, op. cit., no. 3100)

F. Muller, De nederlandsche geschiedenis in platen, part 2, Amsterdam: Frederik Muller, 1870, p. 41, no. 3099

Not found in: British Museum, catalogue of political and personal satires

Wellcome Collection 2138557i