donderdag 17 november 2011

Goliath

For many years this giant Goliath with his bearer and David stood in the restaurant of the Amsterdam Museum. Last year they were moved to the public passage of the museum, which was quite an operation. Originally, the wooden figures were made for the Amsterdam pleasure gardens called the "Oude Doolhof" (The Old Maze). Founded prior to 1625, it continued to exist right up to 1862. The gardens were not merely famous for the maze, fountains and arbours but also for the collection of figures. The head and the eyes of Goliath can be manipulated with the aid of mechanical contrivances, which is rather frightening to see.

The passage is called the "Schutters gallerij" because old paintings of  the guilds are hanging on the walls. The passage belongs to the museum but is free to enter, pass and watch the paintings which is quite special I think. It is a risc that works.


6 opmerkingen:

  1. I bet the Goliath was more interesting to see outside. Inside, it seems dwarfed by the atrium. You can't really tell how big it is.

    Hope you are well, Bieb!

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  2. So Goliath really is a giant!! - such a great photo with the people standing near the statue looking ever so small.

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  3. really? goliath's eyes were moving? did you see it?
    i also really like this passage, or whatever you call it, i dont think that would be possible here...

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  4. Very neat exhibit, although a little frightening to come upon when you first walk in.

    Darryl and Ruth :)

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  5. CaT,
    Ja ik heb hem weleens zien bewegen, toen stond hij nog in het restaurant. Hij begint dan plotseling dat grote hoofd naar voren te buigen en met z'n ogen te rollen. Alles heel langzaam maar wel angstaanjagend.

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