Westzijde van de Burgerzaal in het Stadhuis op de Dam 1771 - 1783

Here we see Cornelis Bogerts' depiction of the West Side of the Burgerzaal in Amsterdam’s Town Hall, an etching of no specific date. The hall is filled with figures both human and allegorical. The most striking symbolic presence is the figure of Justice, which is placed directly in the center, high above the main entrance. Typically she is blindfolded, carries scales and a sword. Justice embodies ideas of fairness and moral balance, dating back to ancient societies. We see similar figures in Roman sculptures and Renaissance paintings, each carrying the same core message. This symbol taps into our collective desire for order and fairness. Notice the painted ceiling, filled with celestial beings. These are not merely decorative; they tie the earthly realm to the divine. These motifs are common in many cultures, from ancient Egyptian art to medieval Christian cathedrals. They are visual echoes, each bearing traces of the past, reminders of humanity’s enduring quest for meaning. This grand hall, through its symbols, asks us to reflect on our place in the world and the values that guide our societies.