Reliëf met personificatie van het element Lucht boven boog in de Burgerzaal van het Stadhuis op de Dam 1663 - 1668

This etching by Hubert Quellinus presents a personification of air as part of the decorative reliefs for the Town Hall of Amsterdam. She is depicted as a winged figure amidst clouds, her head adorned with stars, evoking classical representations of celestial beings. Consider how the image of a winged deity transcends cultures. From the Mesopotamian winged genies to the Greek goddess Nike, such figures embody power, freedom, and divine intervention. Here, the swan beneath her alludes to classical mythology, often associated with Aphrodite, thus connecting the element of air to themes of love and beauty. The stars, reminiscent of those crowning depictions of the Virgin Mary, suggest a celestial blessing. Observe how the seemingly straightforward symbol of a star can oscillate between religious, cultural, and even nationalistic contexts across history, signifying guidance, destiny, or divine favor. This visual motif carries a potent, nearly subconscious appeal, tapping into humanity's deep-seated longing for guidance and protection. The cyclical journey of this symbol—from ancient cosmology to modern-day emblems—reveals how images are continuously reinterpreted.