In the Burgomasters’ Cabinet, or Former Councillors Chamber, Amsterdam’s four ruling mayors met with a group of previous mayors who acted as a sort of advisory board. Two enormous paintings above the two fireplaces constantly remind them that a good mayor must be honest, incorruptible and steadfast.
The Roman Consul Manius Curius Dentatus was a simple man. In 1656, Govert Flinck painted him in a simple brown coat, on the left in the foreground. The Samnites in their expensive finery once came to visit him at his estate, trying to bribe him with precious gifts. But Dentatus refused. He was satisfied with meals of home-grown turnips.
Ferdinand Bol painted the opposite chimney piece depicting the story of another brave Roman. The Consul Caius Fabritius Luscinus had to negotiate the release of prisoners-of-war with King Pyrrhus in Greece. When Pyrrhus – wearing a turban and crown – couldn’t buy Fabritius off with gold and silver, he set a dangerous elephant onto him. Everyone in the painting was afraid, except Fabritius. He – with the white plumed helmet – fearlessly held his ground.
