German and Spanish alliance with the Dutch Republic

The Holy Roman Empire, Spain and the Dutch Republic agree an alliance, or “league” according to the inscription by Boileau and Racine, a term which was replaced by “alliance” in the 18th century. The Empire is dominant: her heraldic eagle is digging its claws into the leg of the Dutch Republic’s lion “to show that help being given was at great cost”. Spain is lifting her mask. Weapons are being forged on the left while the troops are preparing on the right, as indicated in the Latin inscriptions. In the symmetrically matching composition at the other end of the gallery next to the Peace Room, the blacksmiths are retreating and the armies are scattered.

Full title :German and Spanish alliance with the Dutch Republic, 1672