Thirteen Figures, Mostly Supporters of Escutcheons, from the Top of a Balustrade and the Backrest of the Stadholder’s Chair in the Rolzaal in the Hof van Holland, The Hague 1511

This set of six wooden finials, carved by Joost Janszoon in 1511, are believed to have originally decorated the balustrade and the back of the Stadholder’s chair in the Rolzaal, a grand hall in the Hof van Holland in The Hague. Each finial features a different animal, including a lion, a monkey, and a dog, showcasing Janszoon’s skilled craftsmanship and the decorative artistry of the early 16th century in the Netherlands. These figures, with their unique postures and intricate details, speak to the grandeur and importance of the Rolzaal, reflecting the status and power of the Stadholder during this time.