Kermisprent van de Amsterdamse karrenman voor het jaar 1755 1755

This print, made in Amsterdam in 1755, presents us with the city's coat of arms: three crosses arranged vertically on a shield. This emblem, meant to symbolize protection against fire, floods, and plague, speaks volumes about the civic concerns of the time. The three crosses motif isn't unique to Amsterdam; variations appear throughout history, often associated with religious or protective symbolism. This symbol taps into a collective desire for safety and stability, reappearing across various cultures and epochs. From heraldic emblems to religious iconography, the cross transcends mere geometry, embodying our innate quest for security. The recurrence of such symbols is no accident; these shared visual languages evoke a sense of continuity and shared identity. The Amsterdam coat of arms, in its simplicity and historical depth, reminds us of the powerful, subconscious currents that shape our cultural memory and emotional connections to place.