Gezicht op de Grote en de Kleine Vleeshal aan de Nes te Amsterdam c. 1685

This print depicts the Great and Small Meat Halls on the Nes in Amsterdam. The composition shows a bustling marketplace, framed by the imposing structures of the meat halls on either side, hinting at the city's economic heart. Notice the weather vane atop the larger hall’s steeple: this seemingly simple instrument also served as a potent symbol. Across centuries and cultures, from ancient Roman temples to medieval churches, the weather vane oriented not only to the winds but also to prevailing beliefs. Think of the winged Nike, goddess of victory, perched on Greek monuments, guiding the winds of fortune. Here, its presence connects the commerce within these halls to broader themes of navigation, chance, and divine favor. The collective memory embedded in this symbol resonates even today, stirring subconscious associations with guidance and destiny. It is a timeless expression of humanity's quest to understand and align with the forces that shape our world.