Armorial chart councillors of Amsterdam 1578-1650 – Hendrik de Leth, ca. 1730

“Wapen-kaart der Ed. Achtbare Heeren XXXVI Raaden der stad Amsterdam.” [Armorial chart of the Honourable Lords XXXVI Councillors of the City of Amsterdam] Copper engraving by Hendrik de Leth, ca. 1730. With original hand colouring. Size: 50 × 50 cm.

The print presents an overview of the coats of arms of the members of the so-called Heeren XXXVI, the Vroedschap (Council) of Amsterdam. This college of 36 councillors formed, since 1578 (after the Alteratie, when Amsterdam shifted from Spanish allegiance to the rebel Protestant regime), the foundation of the city’s power. The councillors met in the Vroedschapskamer [Council Chamber] of the Town Hall on the Dam, from which the burgomasters and aldermen were elected each year.

On the left, putti carry the city seal with a cog ship (referring to shipping and trade), a sword and scales (justice), and a bundle with a halberd (symbol of civic power and defence). On the right, putti display the caduceus of Mercury (commerce and prosperity), the coat of arms of Amsterdam with the three Saint Andrew’s crosses, and one appears in the guise of Minerva, goddess of wisdom and strategy, with helmet, shield, and spear. Together these allegories form a laud on Amsterdam as a city of trade, justice, power, and wise government.

Below follows a strictly ordered grid of the family arms of the councillors, each accompanied by the name of the regent. This sheet shows theirs coats of arms from 1578 to 1650..

Price: Euro 575,- (incl. frame)