Hidden stories

About this book

Heroes of a golden age, gods and Titans, wise poets and foolish kings, powerful city maids, goddesses of the hunt or love, gods of trade or war. These are no ordinary residents of a town hall or a palace. In silence they tell their stories to those who want to hear. These are wise lessons from bygone ages, but still relevant to whomever recognizes them. Architect Jacob van Campen used images in marble and paint as a tool to tell two story lines to both the visitor and user of the building. Firstly, the glorification of Amsterdam as a center of the world. On the other hand, the symbolism of the Town Hall, which as the seat of order and authority needed to encourage good governance and good citizenship. The result is a building that can be read like a book. Exhibition: Royal Palace Amsterdam, The Netherlands (03.07.-27.09.2015).