public art | Telling the Truth

Amsterdam Street Scenes 2 | Viking Cruise

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Though I’m not usually an escapist, I feel like escaping to Amsterdam today. D and I were there last July at the front end of a river cruise. We’d just arrived after an overnight flight from Philadelphia. The goal was simple: Stay awake! This means our guide mercilessly kept us moving and on our feet during the afternoon.

So here we are. Note the brilliant blue sky. A perfect backdrop for roof decorations and public art. Unfortunately, I can’t comment on their architectural significance. I’m grateful D took pictures, since I was half asleep on my feet.

The first two show spires on St. Nicholas Basilica;
the third, a gargoyle.

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Next we have two business structures
designed for life along the canal before elevators or motorized lifts.

Just below, note the structure protruding beneath
the top roof line. The holes in the base are to accommodate pulleys. p1140330

Here’s a row of merchant shops on the canal, each with a pulley at the top.
Suppose you want to move a large container
or piece of machinery into the building.
No problem. Just pull it up and swing it through a window. p1140334

Does anyone know what the hooks below are for?
I’m guessing they might have something to do with snow.
This seems to be an old house.

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Flags on the Amsterdam Port Building near the harbor.
Note the walkway around the castle-like tower.
A lookout up and down the river?

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A Viking crusader below?
He’s scarcely visible within all those symbols of power.
Definitely designed to impress and commemorate.
Note the intricate brickwork and crowns.

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Finally, a down-on-the-street scene
on a welcome pedestrian walkway with shops and restaurants.
No bike lanes or speeding bikers.
Actually, it leads into the red light district.

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