Deel van fries op schouw in Vroedschapskamer van het Stadhuis op de Dam 1663

Editor: This delicate print, "Deel van fries op schouw in Vroedschapskamer van het Stadhuis op de Dam" dating back to 1663, is by Hubert Quellinus and it depicts part of a frieze in the Vroedschap Chamber of the Town Hall of Amsterdam. The playful arrangement of putti feels very dynamic, yet it’s clearly designed for a specific architectural context. What strikes you most about this work? Curator: Ah, yes, this whispers stories, doesn’t it? It reminds me of childhood mischief – those cherubic figures, eternally frozen in a game of celebratory mayhem! What I see here isn't just Baroque decoration, but a little slice of civic pride, all dressed up in classical garb. It was intended to elevate the Town Hall's chamber, a site for Amsterdam’s magistrates, with artistry and possibly, playful allegories to inspire virtuous decisions! Do you notice the distinct expressions of each putto, almost like individual personalities? Editor: That's true, it's as if each one has their own agenda! How does knowing it was intended for a very specific place change how we should see it? Curator: Immensely. Imagine it not as a framed artwork, but as part of a much grander narrative. This frieze wasn't meant to be merely admired, it was meant to impress, to imbue the space with a sense of history and importance. It’s a functional artwork as much as it is an aesthetic one! The fact that it’s rendered in print—as an engraving, which enables circulation— adds another fascinating layer to the way we understand its function, don’t you think? Editor: That makes perfect sense. I now appreciate how this Baroque flourish elevates both the space and the decisions made within it! Thank you! Curator: And thank you! Thinking about the print in its original location has opened my eyes to appreciate the broader role of art within these structures.