A pirate flag, sticking out of a window, waving fiercely in the wind… 🏴‍☠️

In the 1600s, Amsterdam was a busy port full of traders. Some sailors took a darker path though… They raided ships or smuggled goods, and then sold them quietly in the city’s backstreets and taverns. ⚓️☠️

One of the most feared was Laurens de Graaf, born in the “Dutch Republic”. He terrorized the Caribbean, attacking Spanish ships and towns. The Spanish nicknamed him “El Gran Diablo”—the Great Devil. 😈

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“Wandelend naar de Nieuwmarkt” (strolling to the Nieuwmarkt).

Martie van de Loo created the sculptures for the “Varkenssluis” and the “Paulusbroedersluis”, two bridges crossing the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Achterburgwal. The legless figures represent pedestrians walking between Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt. Their Eastern features are a nod to the nearby Chinatown. ⛩️ 👣

The original sculptures (placed in “84) were damaged by vandalism—some were knocked over, others beheaded. Van de Loo later made stronger versions with granite arms. The design is inspired by the Amsterdam School architectural style. 💪

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The bronze statue of Major Alida Bosshardt stands, or better yet… sits, on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, in front of the “Salvation Army” building. Made by artist Peter de Leeuwe in 2013 as a tribute to her years of service to the vulnerable. 🙏😊

Born on June 8, 1913, in Utrecht, and passing on June 25, 2007, in Amsterdam, Bosshardt was a key “Salvation Army” figure. During WWII, she helped Jewish children and later supported sex workers and the homeless in the Red Light District. 🏮

Her efforts earned national recognition, including the title ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ from “Yad Vashem” in 2004. 🎖️

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