Reliëf met attributen van Cybele voor op piëdestal in de oostelijke galerij van het Stadhuis op de Dam 1655

This drawing was made by Hubert Quellinus. Its delicate lines capture a proposed relief with the attributes of Cybele for the Town Hall of Amsterdam. The composition is a meticulously arranged ensemble of symbols contained within a rectangular frame. Its tight structure presents various implements and produce associated with agriculture and prosperity. The objects are not merely placed together; rather, they are interwoven, creating a dense texture that invites the eye to linger and discern each element. Observe how Quellinus uses the interplay of light and shadow to define the forms, giving them a sculptural presence on a two-dimensional plane. This approach reflects the broader artistic concerns of the period, where the representation of depth and volume were central to the creation of lifelike imagery. The drawing functions as more than a preparatory sketch; it is a statement on the era's engagement with classical themes and its understanding of civic virtue.