Reliëf met hond als allegorie op de Trouw boven de linker deur naar het Secretarie in het Stadhuis op de Dam 1663 - 1783

Hubert Quellinus made this relief with a dog as an allegory on the 'Trouw', or 'allegiance' in English. It was intended for the left door to the Secretarie in the Stadhuis on the Dam. The image employs a clear visual code. A dog, which is a symbol of unwavering loyalty, stands guard over a sleeping figure, with an arm holding a sword above. The image emphasizes the importance of loyalty and fidelity in the administration and governance of the city. This artwork was created in the Netherlands, a republic built on the value of trust, in the 17th Century. This work, tied to the institutions of governance, asks us to reflect on how we interpret symbols of loyalty and whether they are used to reinforce or challenge established social norms. By consulting historical records, architectural plans, and civic documents, we can better understand the intricate relationship between art, power, and social values in the Dutch Golden Age.