Sandstone block for portico

Datebefore 1629

Object number00046430

NameBuilding block

MediumSandstone

DimensionsOverall: 225 × 660 × 260 mm, 46.5 kg
Other (Circumference): 735 mm (28.89 in)

ClassificationsVessels and fittings

Credit LineANMM Collection Transferred from Australian Netherlands Committee on Old Dutch Shipwrecks

Collections

Shipwrecked: Artefacts from the BATAVIA and Dutch shipwrecks off Western Australia

Terms

DescriptionThese three sandstone blocks form part of a portico being transported by the BATAVIA. The BATAVIA was carrying 137 carved sandstone blocks and 6 bronze pintles (gate hinges) which were destined to form the watergate of Fort Batavia. The reconstructed portico is now at the Western Australian Maritime Museum. These 3 pieces were amongst a number of blocks left over from the reconstruction. It is unknown what the largest block would have been used for but the 2 smaller pieces may have formed part of a gunport or window. The small honeycomb-like pattern on the surface of the blocks is a peculiarity of Renaissance style typical of central Germany between about 1530 and 1630. Recent scientific analysis shows that the sandstone comes from the Bentheim quarry in Germany (Bentheim sandstone was also being used for architectural sculpture in Amsterdam at the time).