This is possibly an unused sketch for a large painting in the town hall on Dam Square. De Lairesse’s loss of sight in 1689 was the reason why he never did the larger painting. The Amsterdam Maid points out the harbour of Amsterdam, her source of prosperity, on the map. ‘Abundance’ scatters gold from the heavens. ‘Justice’, ‘Civic Authority’ and ‘Care’ symbolize the virtues of the city. Amsterdam tramples on ‘Violence’, and ‘Fame’ makes known the good name of Amsterdam, while ‘Lying’ and ‘Deceit’ flee. In the foreground are personifications of the water of the IJ and the river Amstel, represented by a rudder and an oar, in the company of their patron Mercury.