Many old houses in Amsterdam have plaques which described the owner's occupation, in the time before house-numbers were introduced. Mostly they are black and dirty because of the dust and weather circumstances. But there is a society which keeps an eye on them and cleans and restore the plaques as this one from 1741 in the Binnen Brouwersstraat, which catched my eye by the sunlight that just lightened it up. The relief frieze has an image of a "Biblical mysterious nourishment". ( bit difficult to translate).
Here you have a better look of the image.
So this would have been the home of a breadmaker?
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThere is no more information about this one, so it could be.
VerwijderenDe verhalen erachter zijn vaak net zo bijzonder als de gevelsteen zelf. Gelukkig blijven ze bewaard.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenOr a mission to feed the hungry? Great that they are taking care of these.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI am impressed that there is a society that keeps these lovely signs clean and in good shape. This sign is most beautiful Marianne. Have a wonderful day, eh :)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThe sunlight hit the plaque at just the right time for your photo! It is impressive!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenA great idea that would not work well here. There would be too many blank ones what with all the unemployed we have here in the States.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThis one is very detailed and intricate. It should be preserved. I've always been curious as to how these were made. Now I will have to look into it.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenDearest Marianne,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenHow lovely to see such a relief frieze here!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frieze (in English)
http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fries_(kunst)
Lovely mythological figures are worked into this one!
Happy Sunday to you.
Hugs,
Mariette
How interesting. I never thought about a city without house numbers before. Such a beautiful frieze and I'm glad it is being maintained so well.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenIt is great to hear that the plaques are being cleaned and restored.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenBeautiful detail Marianne, goodness this would look so much better on my house than a plain old 47 :)
BeantwoordenVerwijderen