Arkivism
Allegory on the government of the city of Amsterdam with the coats of arms of the regents
Public domain

Allegory on the government of the city of Amsterdam with the coats of arms of the regents

Gerard de Lairesse · 1672 · etching; paper

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

A frame with various coats of arms of Amsterdam regents is crowned at the top center by the personification of the government of Amsterdam (Politia). Her hand rests on a rudder decorated with a sailing ship, under her arm she carries a book. To the left of Politia follows the blindfolded Justice (scales) followed by Prudence (mirror). Diagonally below this pair Father Time (winged hourglass) points to the various coats of arms in the frame. Below him stands the personified abundance with fruits and grain in her hands next to two putti binding arrows together, symbol of unity. To the right of Politia stands Minerva who symbolizes wisdom with an olive branch, next to her flies Fame blowing a trumpet. Below Fame a putto burns the personified war with his torch and the lamenting Discord lies chained.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Credit lineAllegorie op het bestuur van de stad Amsterdam met wapens van regeringsleden. 1672. Gerard de Lairesse. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

Similar works