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Element Fire Eastside

Artus Quellinus the Elder1655

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Royal Palace Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands

The man carrying a torch represents fire. In his other hand, he grasps lightning bolts. Adjacent to his bald head is a crescent moon. Beneath his feet, a salamander emerges from the flames.

Additional information:
Fire is the lightest of all the elements. It is personified here by a bald young man with a moon above his head, illustrating that Fire is lighter than Air. According to legend, the salamander lived in fire and its cold, wet skin was capable of extinguishing flames.

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  • Title: Element Fire Eastside
  • Creator: Artus Quellinus
  • Creator Lifespan: 1609 - 1668
  • Creator Nationality: Flemish
  • Creator Gender: Male
  • Creator Death Place: Antwerp
  • Creator Birth Place: Antwerp
  • Date Created: 1655
  • Display: Royal Palace Amsterdam
  • Type: Relief
  • Rights: © Stichting Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam. Photo: Wim Ruigrok
  • Medium: Marble
Royal Palace Amsterdam

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