Vignet met het wapen van de stad Amsterdam 17th century

This is a woodcut of the Amsterdam coat of arms, featuring two lions supporting a shield crowned with a royal crest. This emblem encapsulates the city’s identity through potent symbols. The lions, archetypal symbols of strength and courage, have roared through heraldry since the medieval times, appearing across Europe as emblems of nobility and valor. But here, their role as guardians of Amsterdam suggests more than mere power; they embody the city’s spirit of independence and resilience. The three Saint Andrew's crosses on the shield are more mysterious. Though now synonymous with Amsterdam, their origin remains debated. These crosses, or “saltires”, have been historically associated with martyrdom, or a protective amulet to ward off natural disasters. The crown above the shield symbolizes sovereignty, but its presence also hints at Amsterdam’s complex relationship with authority, its desire for autonomy, and its negotiation with power. It is these layers of meaning that imbue the image with a captivating depth, connecting us to the historical currents and collective memories of the city.