The Dutch East India Company celebrated its first centenary on 20 March 1702. A commemorative medal and a painting recorded the occasion. The Amsterdam Chamber is represented by the figure of a woman. Behind her stands the god Mercury, patron of commerce. The Jacob's staff, or dividers, in the foreground, used for calculating the ship's position on charts, refers to the activities of the VOC. The ship, seen sailing past the Pillars of Hercules near Gibraltar, has shields on its side bearing the names of six VOC cities. 'Amsterdam' is the most clearly visible. The picture is inspired by the scene on a medal designed by Regnier Arondeaux, commissioned by the VOC in 1702 to commemorate their first centenary. A copy of this medal is on show in Room 12.