Nieuw Amsterdam : Theatre, Artwork.

In front of the theatre, forward, there is a striking panel, 25 feet long, by Reyer Stolk. It is executed in solid masses of gold, black, red and maroon, and its theme the spread of the theatre’s influence over the world by ships. Greek and Dutch East Indian actors, symbolizing the ancient Occident and the modern Orient are shown holding the theatrical masks common to both. They are surrounded by the golden sails and black hulls of ships of all types and ages. The Nieuw Amsterdam occupies the upper center of the composition. The background, in wavy bands of the predominating colors, suggests the sea. All of the masses are outlined in the style of cloisonné, and the medium is lacquer.