Reliëf op het timpaan op de achtergevel van het Stadhuis op de Dam 1664 - 1668

This engraving by Hubert Quellinus depicts a relief on the rear facade of the Stadhuis op de Dam. The triangular composition is densely packed with figures, creating a rich interplay of light and shadow. The detailed linework captures the texture of the sculptural relief, giving the impression of depth and movement within the static form. The engraving employs a classical architectural element, the tympanum, to frame a complex allegory. The symmetrical arrangement of figures around a central figure suggests a carefully structured narrative. Yet, the profusion of detail and the dynamic poses of the figures introduce a sense of baroque exuberance, destabilizing the classical order. Note how the artist uses the formal constraints of the triangular shape to create a dynamic interplay between order and chaos, inviting us to decode its cultural and philosophical discourse. This tension reflects a broader artistic concern with reconciling classical ideals with the baroque sensibility of the time, engaging in a dialogue that continues to shape our understanding of art and its place in society.