Reliëf met allegorie op de Stilzwijgendheid boven de rechter deur naar het Secretarie in het Stadhuis op de Dam 1663 - 1783

Editor: Here we have an engraving titled "Relief with Allegory on Silence above the right door to the Secretary in the Town Hall on the Dam," dating from 1663-1783. It's by Hubert Quellinus. I find the woman's contemplative gesture really striking – what stands out to you? Curator: That gesture of silence is indeed central. But consider the symbols around her: the swan, often linked to Apollo and poetry, wisdom. The fish head points to secrecy. She's not just silent, but guarding knowledge, isn't she? Almost acting as a guardian to deeper hidden knowledge. What meaning might the swan tail and foliage have? Editor: That's interesting. It gives it a sense of visual boundaries. And those boundaries add weight to the symbol of the fish head representing secrecy. Is it typical to combine figures like this to make meaning? Curator: Absolutely! Combining these motifs allowed artists to speak a visual language understood by their audiences, imbuing the relief with layers of meaning that extend beyond mere decoration. Each figure contributed to a larger symbolic understanding of good governance, secrecy and power. Where do you imagine the Town Hall secretaries stood, beneath her supervision? Editor: Under great pressure to maintain it, it sounds like! Thank you for sharing insight into its rich symbolism. It has really shed new light on this for me! Curator: A great culture needs good, secure keepers of sensitive, meaningful information! The exploration of visual symbols often reveals profound insights into cultural values. It's been a pleasure!