Strij van Abraham Allegory on Coin of Dordrecht Sun Jacob van Strij

The drawing presents a female figure seated within a draped and shadowed architectural setting. She is depicted in classical attire – a flowing tunic gathered at the waist with a decorative belt – and her hair is styled in elaborate curls characteristic of the period. In her left hand, she holds a set of scales, balanced precariously on a staff that extends from her fingers. Her right arm rests upon a stack of books or tablets, suggesting knowledge and authority.
The composition is dense with symbolic objects. At her feet lies a crown adorned with feathers, seemingly discarded or overlooked. To the side, a small ship is rendered in detail, resting on what appears to be a pedestal or table. A scattering of coins is visible near this structure, further reinforcing themes related to wealth and commerce. The background features heavy drapery, creating depth and emphasizing the figure’s prominence.
The scales held by the woman are central to the images meaning. Their precarious balance suggests a delicate equilibrium – perhaps representing justice or fiscal stability. The discarded crown implies a rejection of worldly power in favor of something else, possibly wisdom or civic duty. The ship, often associated with exploration and trade, hints at Dordrecht’s mercantile importance. The coins underscore the economic context of the image.
The inscription beneath the figure provides additional insight: Jura, pecuniam, connubia, sceptra, tiaras exigit ad lancem diva moneta suam. This Latin phrase translates roughly to “Divine money demands laws, wealth, marriages, scepters, and crowns be brought before its spear.” The reference to a divine or personified money suggests that economic power holds sway over all aspects of society – law, family, governance. The spear is a potent symbol of force and control, implying that even the most established institutions are subject to the demands of wealth.
Overall, the drawing conveys a complex message about the relationship between commerce, authority, and morality within a specific urban context. It’s not merely a portrait but an allegorical representation of Dordrechts economic power and its influence on civic life.