Gezicht op de Nieuwmarkt te Amsterdam (rechterdeel) 1710 - 1767

Leonard Schenk's etching captures the Nieuwmarkt in Amsterdam. Above the scene, two winged figures blow horns, flanking a shield emblazoned with three crosses, a powerful emblem of Amsterdam itself. This symbol, laden with civic pride, echoes across centuries, reminiscent of heraldic crests adorning medieval city gates, yet also feels akin to ancient, almost primal emblems invoking protection. Consider the cross—a motif found in myriad cultures, from Christian iconography to ancient cosmologies. Its recurrence speaks to a deep-seated human need for order and orientation in the world. The blazon is a communal expression, a psycho-social anchor, much like a family crest or clan tattoo. It’s a visual shorthand for belonging and collective identity, a rallying point that continues to resonate with Amsterdammers today. This image highlights how symbols evolve, adapt, and yet remain tethered to ancestral meanings.