Inaugural StoneArtus I Quellinus · 1648

  • Creation date1648
  • MuseumRoyal Palace Amsterdam

Artus I Quellinus (1653 – 1686)

Artus Quellinus III (1653-1686) was a Flemish sculptor active in London, known for Baroque altarpieces & portrait busts. Collaborated with Grinling Gibbons. Explore his statues of royalty and significant historical figures.

Royal Palace Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Explore the Royal Palace Amsterdam – a Dutch Baroque masterpiece housing Rembrandt & Vermeer paintings and historic royal artifacts. Immerse yourself in Dutch history and artistic brilliance!

The Maid of Amsterdam, personifying the city, stands on a black memorial stone tablet. On her head she wears the imperial crown of Maximilian. In one hand she holds the city’s coat of arms and in the other Mercury’s staff, the caduceus. Two lions are at her feet. The inscription on the stone tablet commemorates the Treaty of Münster, which brought an end to the Eighty Years’ War in 1648. At the foot of the tablet are two seated personifications of water: on the left the saltwater IJ, with a crown of ships, a fishing net and an anchor; on the right the River Amstel, with a wreath of aquatic plants, an oar and, by his hip, a beaver. As a dam-building animal, the beaver alludes to the dam in the River Amstel that gave the city its name.Additional information:The Maid of Amsterdam is wearing the imperial crown presented to the city by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian in 1489. The lions are guarding the Maid but also feature in the city’s coat of arms. Mercury’s caduceus is an allusion to peace and commerce, which in this city go hand in hand. The trade and commerce that developed after the Treaty of Münster in 1648 turned Amsterdam into an important and wealthy city.

About this artwork

  • Title: Inaugural Stone
  • Artist: Artus I Quellinus
  • Year: 1648
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: Royal Palace Amsterdam
  • Color hue: Ochre to Sepia
  • Color intensity: Monochromatic

Questions & Answers

Is "Inaugural Stone" by Artus I Quellinus a portrait, landscape or square composition?

"Inaugural Stone" by Artus I Quellinus has a portrait format. The format describes the proportions of the composition.

What is the perceived brightness of "Inaugural Stone" by Artus I Quellinus?

The perceived brightness of "Inaugural Stone" by Artus I Quellinus is balanced. It can be matched to the light of the intended space.

How is the color composition of "Inaugural Stone" by Artus I Quellinus built?

The color analysis of "Inaugural Stone" by Artus I Quellinus records a balanced contrast and a unified palette harmony.

What explains the copyright situation of "Inaugural Stone" by Artus I Quellinus?

"Inaugural Stone" by Artus I Quellinus is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright terms are measured from the artist's death, and Artus I Quellinus died in 1686.

Who created "Inaugural Stone" and in what year?

"Inaugural Stone" was created by Artus I Quellinus in 1648.

Which artist is "Inaugural Stone" attributed to?

The artist behind "Inaugural Stone" is Artus I Quellinus. The work is catalogued under Artus I Quellinus's name.

In what year was "Inaugural Stone" by Artus I Quellinus created?

"Inaugural Stone" dates from 1648. The date places the work within Artus I Quellinus's career and its era.

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