Group above portal Citizens' Hall

In the centre sits the Maid of Amsterdam, holding an olive branch and palm fronds. Her dress is adorned with the three Saint Andrew’s crosses that are the symbol of Amsterdam. Above her head is an eagle holding a crown. On each side is a lion. On the right of the Maid is the personification of Minerva, the symbol of wisdom, and on her left the personification of Hercules, the symbol of strength. Behind these figures are two pairs of putti. They are holding (from left to right): a rudder, an all-seeing eye, a caduceus (a winged staff with two serpents), and a cornucopia (horn of plenty).

Additional information:
This is the side of the building used by the city authorities: the burgomasters and the members of the council. The Maid of Amsterdam with the three crosses and the crown symbolises the city of Amsterdam. The right to use this crown in its coat of arms was granted to the city by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian in 1489. The olive branch stands for peace while the palm frond symbolises victory and fame. As well as protecting the Maid, the lions refer to the earth goddess Cybele, who is likewise accompanied by two of them. The personifications of Minerva and Hercules symbolise the wisdom and strength of the city fathers, while the four putti stand for good governance (the rudder), effective justice (the all-seeing eye), trade and peace (the winged staff) and plenty (the cornucopia).