WarWar gets plenty of artistic representation - but what about the art of peace? An exhibition at the Petit Palais in Paris explores the imagery of peace-making over the centuries, reports the BBC.
For history-lovers, it is a rare chance to see the originals of scores of treaties, concordats and other diplomatic treasures preserved in the French national archives. Hugh Schofield takes a closer look.
Musee d’Art Moderne
During a congress for world peace in Paris in 1949, Pablo Picasso was asked to design an emblem to signify peace. He chose the dove - inspired possibly by the caged birds he kept in his Paris studio. The symbol caught on instantaneously.
Frédéric de la Mure
This letter made of gold leaf was sent from King Rama IV of Siam (modern-day Thailand) to Emperor Napoleon III in 1861. The choice of medium was seen as a sign that King Rama recognised the superior power of France, which had recently obliged Siam to open its doors to trade. The letter was received by Napoleon at an elaborate ceremony at Fontainebleau.
