Ratification of the Peace of Münster between Spain and the Netherlands in the Town Hall of Münster, 15 May 1648

The Peace of Münster, depicted here by the painter Gerard ter Borch, was the treaty signed by the United Provinces of the Netherlands and Spain recognising the independence of the latter from the Spanish Monarchy. The treaty was part of the Peace of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). In January 1646, eight Dutch representatives arrived in the region to begin negotiations while the Spanish authorities were sent by Philip IV. Finally, on 30 January 1648, both sides reached agreement and the text was sent to The Hague and Madrid to be signed recognising the peace on 15 May of that year. In addition, Spain gave up the island of St. Martin, which was divided between the French and the Netherlands, while the united provinces returned Erkelenz to the Spanish Netherlands. In the centre of the composition are Gaspar de Bracamonte and the Count of Peñaranda on the Spanish side, while on the other side are Antoine Brun, Barthold van Gent, Lord van Meynerswijck, Johan van Mathenes, Adriaen Pauw, Frans van Donia, Willem van Ripperda and Adriaen Clant.

Collection: Images

Project: 5. Power and powers in the history of Europe: oligarchies, political participation and democracy., 6. Under a cloak of terror: violence and armed conflict in Europe.

Chronology: XVII

Scope: Secondary education, Baccalaureate, University

Link: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/SK-A-405