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Introduction
The Amsterdam coat of arms is a striking representation of the city's multi-layered identity, encapsulating its historical, cultural, and symbolic significance. In one emblematic image, it features a red shield with three silver Saint Andrew's Crosses, the Imperial Crown of Austria, two golden lions, and a meaningful motto.
The coat of arms is elevated further through artistic interpretations like the print by Hendrick Goltzius and the poetic lines from Joost van den Vondel's ‘De Stad van Amstel.
We'll delve into its heraldic roots and explore how art and poetry further enrich its meaning.
Heraldic Elements: The Foundations of the Coat of Arms
The Escutcheon and Its Origin
The heraldic shield, or escutcheon, sports a red field charged with three vertically ordered silver or white Saint Andrew's Crosses atop a black pale. It is believed that these crosses originally belonged to the noble family Persijn, whose knight Jan Persijn was lord of Amsterdam from 1280 to 1282.
Amsterdam has an ongoing role as a global trading hub and an open-door policy for commerce and culture. Amsterdam continues to be a pivotal node in international trade and a magnet for cultural exchange, and openness to globalization.
The black pale in the coat of arms likely symbolizes the river Amstel, creating a thematic continuity with other cities in Holland like Dordrecht and Delft. Moreover, nearby villages Ouder-Amstel and Nieuwer-Amstel, once the property of the Persijn family, also feature these heraldic elements.
The Imperial Crown
Granted as a right to Amsterdam by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, the Imperial Crown of Austria sits on top of the escutcheon. This crown was given in gratitude for Amsterdam's financial support during the Hook and Cod wars, and it has been an enduring part of the city's identity. Even after the Reformation, the Protestant city of Amsterdam continued to display the crown of the Catholic emperor.
Even today the crown signifies Amsterdam's ability to adapt and adopt influences from different ruling powers throughout history, making it a melting pot of cultures and philosophies. Its historical ties to empires like the Habsburgs reveal its strategic importance and reflects its modern status as a European capital of influence.
The Golden Lions and The Motto
Flanking the escutcheon are two rampant golden lions, added in the 16th century. Below, on a silver scroll, lies the motto ‘Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig,’ meaning ‘Valiant, Steadfast, Compassionate.’ This motto,' given by Queen Wilhelmina, honors Amsterdam's WWII citizens and embodies the city's social ethos.
Valiant in its stance on social issues, steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, and compassionate in its social welfare programs, the motto encapsulates the enduring values that guide the city's policies and cultural outlook.
The lions not only connect Amsterdam to the Netherlands but also symbolize the city's status as a political and economic powerhouse within the country. The lions stand for the city's resilience and strength, features that continue to define Amsterdam as it leads in sectors like technology, finance, and social policy.
The Visual Impact
Beyond its symbolic and historical weight, the coat of arms of Amsterdam serves as a striking visual emblem that’s instantly recognizable to both residents and visitors. Adorning everything from municipal buildings and official documents to souvenirs and local art, its presence is woven into the fabric of the city. The vivid red field of the escutcheon, flanked by golden lions, and crowned by the Imperial Crown of Austria, creates a visually arresting image that resonates deeply with Amsterdam's cultural milieu. It's more than just an emblem—it's a piece of visual art that stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s unique blend of history, diversity, and modernity. The design elements are crafted in such a way that they not only tell a story but also create an aesthetic impact, resonating with the city’s reputation for artistry and innovation.
Overall
The coat of arms serves as a daily reminder of what the city stands for, acting as a cultural touchstone for both residents and visitors. The blending of historical elements with modern meanings enriches Amsterdam’s identity, making it a dynamic, ever-evolving emblem.
Hendrick Goltzius: The Artistic Perspective
Hendrick Goltzius' 1587 print showcases Amsterdam's coat of arms in a detailed and layered manner.
It serves as a unique artistic representation that incorporates diverse elements, linking Amsterdam's past and present in a single frame.
The Latin Inscription:
‘Urbs illustris quondam grata, recordare quod vidisti, deo, tunc, preconata. Doce que tunc docuisti, nobili miraculo, sapientis aramvlo Christi.’
This translates as: ‘Famous city once pleasing, remember what you saw, God, then, proclaimed. Teach what you then taught, by noble miracle, wise oracle of Christ.’
It is a reminder of the city's former glory and its future promise and urges the city to remember its past and to live up to its potential. It also encourages the city to be a beacon of light and hope for the world.
The last phrase of the inscription ‘sapientis aramvlo Christi’ is a reference to the city's status as a center of learning and culture, as well as a reminder of the city's Christian heritage and serves as a reminder of the city's illustrious past and an inspiration for a bright future.
The inscription is written in beautiful calligraphy, and it is often used as a decorative element in Amsterdam. It can be found on buildings, bridges, and other public spaces.
First Paragraph of Joost van den Vondel’s Poem:
Eedle stadt, by godt bysonder eertijdts waerdt, Doen hy dit wonder, wrocht op u geheyden groundt, Denct om't geen u Ouders faegen, Laet u haer geloof behaegen En het woord van christus mondt.
This section amplifies the Latin text's message, encouraging residents to appreciate their ancestors' faith and to be guided by Christian principles.
Unified Meaning and Significance
Goltzius cleverly melded Latin and the first paragraph of Joost van den Vondel’s poem ‘De Stad van Amstel’, to create a unified narrative. Each text complements the other, emphasizing Amsterdam's resilience, commitment to excellence, and Christian heritage. This juxtaposition makes the print an unparalleled cultural artifact.
Joost van den Vondel: The Poetic Layer
The opening lines of Vondel's poem ‘De Stad van Amstel’ that found their way into the artistic renderings of the coat of arms, by Hendrick Goltzius connects it to deeper cultural and spiritual dimensions.
The full poem reads:
Eedle stadt, by godt bysonder eertijdts waerdt,
Doen hy dit wonder, wrocht op u geheyden groundt,
Denct om't geen u Ouders faegen,
Laet u haer geloof behaegen
En het woord van christus mondt.
Ghy siet 't vergulde twyn,
Daer Amstel en Vecht zyn,
Die 't stadt vercieren,
En haer in 't oor sussen,
Met haer fluyten en cieren.
De rivieren, die daer
Door 't lant so bly beraer,
Die brengen haer vracht,
Van alle landen, die daer
Haer schepen senden naer.
De kooplieden, die daer
Met haer schepen komen quaer,
Verschaffen de stadt
Van al wat haer behaeght,
En maken haer rijk en macht.
De konsten, die daer bloeyen,
Maecken haer stadt vermaert,
En doen de menschen
Haer lof verkonden,
En brengen haer eeren voort.
Ghy siet de stad verrijzen,
So schoon, so groot, so rijk,
So machtigh, so vermaart,
Dat sy de gantse wereld
Verwondert, en behaert.
O stadt, die God vereert,
Bewaar u voor de gheesten
Die haer tegen u stellen,
Dat sy u niet verdorden,
Of u niet besmetten.
Vermeerdert u daerom,
In geestelijcke tucht,
In alle deughden,
Dat God u segne,
En bewaare u van spoet.
Zo zult ghy blyven staan,
Tot in der eeuwigheid,
En wesen een exempel,
Aen alle menschen,
Van een stadt, die God vereert.
Translation (unofficial):
‘Noble city, especially honored by God in the past, When he wrought this wonder on your heathen ground, Think of what your parents saw, Let their faith please you And the word of Christ’s mouth.
You see the gilded twine, Where Amstel and Vecht are, That adorn the city, And soothe her ear, With their flutes and ornaments.
The rivers, that there Through the land so happily flow, They bring their cargo, From all countries, that there Send their ships to.
The merchants, who there Come with their ships, Provide the city With all that pleases her, And make her rich and powerful.
The arts, that there bloom, Make her city famous, And make people Proclaim her praise, And bring her honors forth.
You see the city rise, So beautiful, so great, so rich, So powerful, so famous, That it astonishes the whole world, And is cherished.
O city, that honors God, Preserve yourself from the spirits That oppose you, That they do not wither you, Or defile you.
Therefore increase yourself, In spiritual discipline, In all virtues, That God may bless you, And preserve you from haste.
So you will remain standing, Until eternity, And be an example, To all people, Of a city, that honors God.’
Interpretation:
This poem appears to be a praise of Amsterdam and its past, its beauty, its wealth, its power, and its fame. It encourages the reader to remember their ancestors and follow their faith, to preserve themselves from evil spirits and to increase themselves in spiritual discipline and virtues.
More about Hendrick Goltzius and Joost van den Vondel
Understanding the Amsterdam Coat of Arms isn't just about decoding its visual and textual elements; it's also about appreciating the people who contributed to its richness. Two figures stand out in this context: Hendrick Goltzius, the master engraver, and Joost van den Vondel, the city's celebrated poet. Both left indelible marks on Amsterdam's history, immortalized through their work on the coat of arms.
The Latin text- and the first paragraph of the poem penned by Vondel, engraved by Goltzius, serve as more than just artistic flourishes. They are a testament to the artists themselves, each of whom played a significant role in Amsterdam's cultural tapestry.
The Artistic Journey of Hendrick Goltzius: The Dutch Master Engraver
Early Life
Born in 1558 in Venlo, Hendrick Goltzius was destined to become one of the Netherlands' most influential artists. Trained as an engraver, Goltzius was known for his exceptional skills in printmaking.
Artistic Mastery
Goltzius mastered the art of engraving, and his works displayed an unparalleled control of line and texture. His early works were often mythological in nature, but he soon ventured into more topical subjects, including depictions of cities.
The Famous Print of Amsterdam's Coat of Arms
One of Goltzius's most celebrated works is his 1587 print of the Amsterdam coat of arms. The print is a detailed and intricate piece that incorporates both Latin text and the first paragraph of Joost van den Vondel's poem ‘De Stad van Amstel.’ This piece serves as a compelling tapestry of Amsterdam's rich history and its deep-rooted Christian values.
Collaborations and Influence
Goltzius's print was not just an artistic endeavor but also a cultural statement that resonated deeply with the citizens of Amsterdam. His collaboration with Joost van den Vondel for the text on the coat of arms print highlights the harmonious intersection of art and literature during this period.
Later Works and Legacy
Goltzius continued to produce art until his death in 1617. Today, his works are considered national treasures and are exhibited in various museums across the Netherlands and the world.
The Life and Work of Joost van den Vondel: Amsterdam's Celebrated Poet
Early Years
Joost van den Vondel was born on November 17, 1587, in Cologne, Germany, to a Mennonite family. Fleeing religious persecution, the family relocated to Amsterdam, when Vondel was just a child. The move would profoundly shape his life and work.
Literary Journey
Vondel initially worked in his father's hosiery shop but was always drawn to literature and writing. His early works were primarily lyric poetry, but he soon transitioned into writing plays and tragedies, drawing inspiration from classical Greek and Roman writers.
Major Works
One of Vondel's most famous works is ‘Lucifer,’ a tragedy that deals with themes of ambition and downfall. However, his poem about Amsterdam, ‘De Stad van Amstel,’ holds a special place in the city's collective memory. It was this poem that became an intrinsic part of Amsterdam's coat of arms in various renditions, including the famous print by Hendrick Goltzius.
Contributions to Amsterdam
Vondel's poem, especially its first paragraph, was adopted into the fabric of the city. His words not only celebrate the city's rich history but also reflect on its Christian heritage. His lines are a call for the city to remember its past virtues and to serve as a beacon for the world.
Later Life and Legacy
Vondel passed away in 1679, but his influence on Dutch literature and culture is immeasurable. Today, the Vondelpark in Amsterdam stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Conclusion
The Amsterdam coat of arms is an intricate blend of heraldic, poetic, and artistic layers that signify the city's rich history and culture. Through this emblem, we see a vivid tapestry woven from the contributions of historical figures like Jan Persijn, artists like Hendrick Goltzius, and poets like Joost van den Vondel. It's a deep dive into Amsterdam's soul, revealing how the city is, indeed, Valiant, Steadfast, and Compassionate.
In conclusion, understanding the significance of the local symbol is more than a cultural curiosity; it serves as a bridge to the heart of the community. For residents, the symbol is a touchstone of identity, a way to connect with the shared history, values, and aspirations that hold the community together. It's a form of communal language that speaks to the essence of home and belonging. For visitors, comprehending the symbol provides a more nuanced, enriching experience. Rather than skimming the surface, they're able to plunge into the local ethos, appreciating the community in a way that typical tourists might miss. The symbol thus becomes a key to unlock a deeper understanding of the place, offering both residents and visitors a way to connect on a level that goes beyond the superficial. Ignoring the symbol is like overlooking a treasure in plain sight, a missed opportunity for meaningful engagement with the community.
So the next time you encounter this symbol, take a moment to consider its layers of significance. You'll find that its resonance transcends mere aesthetics; it's a catalyst for unity, a lesson in history, and an invitation to understand a community in all its complexity.
The next time you pass by a mural on the street or a thought-provoking sculpture in a park, take a moment to ponder—how is this piece influencing you or the society you live in?