The Four Continents Paying Homage to Amsterdam

Artus Quellinus I (1609–1668) and workshop, Amsterdam, c. 1655, terracotta

The front and rear elevation of the Town Hall are each dominated by a sculpted marble tympanum approximately twenty metres in width and surmounted by bronze statues. This design for the rear façade shows the four (then known) continents bringing prosperity to Amsterdam. It symbolizes the Amsterdam merchants’ worldwide trading network.

  • Artwork typesculpture, model, tympanum
  • Object numberBK-AM-51-3
  • Dimensionsheight 90 cm x width 415 cm