Gezicht op het Oude Stadhuis te Amsterdam c. 1601 - 1612

Claes Jansz. Visscher etched this view of Amsterdam’s Old Town Hall. Observe the tower, piercing the sky, topped with a weather vane bearing the image of a ship – a powerful emblem of Amsterdam’s maritime prowess and prosperity during the Golden Age. The ship as a symbol carries us across time and cultures. From ancient Egyptian funerary boats meant to transport souls to the afterlife, to Viking longships symbolizing exploration and conquest, it appears in various forms. This symbol resonates deeply within our collective consciousness, evoking ideas of journeys, the unknown, and transformation. Consider, too, the spire— a motif stretching back to ancient obelisks, aspiring towards the heavens. This desire to reach the divine, or perhaps transcend earthly bounds, speaks to a timeless human longing. Note how the banners unfurl, echoing triumphal arches and ancient scrolls, hinting at civic pride and historical narrative. Visscher's image is not merely a depiction; it’s a tapestry of symbols woven through the ages.