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Element Water Westside

Artus Quellinus the Elder1655

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Royal Palace Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Water is symbolised by a mermaid sitting among reeds and bulrushes with a sphere in her hand. Her arm is supported by an urn from which water gushes. At the bottom of her tail are shells. Behind her is the trident of the sea god Neptune.

Additional information:
The sphere refers to the waters covering the Earth, while Neptune’s trident alludes not only to the sea god’s dominion over the oceans, but also to the fact that at that time the Dutch ruled the seas.

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  • Title: Element Water Westside
  • 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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