Apotheosis of the Dutch East India Company (Allegory of the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce of the VOC) 1702 - 1746

Nicolaas Verkolje painted this oil on canvas, entitled Apotheosis of the Dutch East India Company, now in the Rijksmuseum. The piece is dominated by a seated female figure, an allegory for the Amsterdam Chamber of the VOC, framed by classical columns and draped fabric that adds to the scene's grandeur. Notice how the artist employs a pyramidal composition, anchoring the visual weight at the center with the enthroned figure. The strategic use of light and shadow enhances the textures and drapery of the fabrics. Verkolje uses allegory to elevate a commercial enterprise to the level of classical mythology, reflecting the cultural and economic values of the Dutch Golden Age. Mercury, the god of commerce, stands to her left and offers a semiotic nod to trade and communication. This calculated arrangement uses classical imagery to legitimize and celebrate Dutch mercantile power. Consider how the artwork employs classical forms to validate its contemporary values, showcasing the VOC’s apotheosis as a cultural statement deeply embedded in the era's philosophical currents.