Three jawed fish are depicted on the gable stone at Kesselskade 58. The stone has been relocated here, after it was found in a garden at Sint Anthonisstraat. In all probability the herrings come from the demolished corner house Wycker Brugstraat 68, which had to make way for the enlargement of the access road to the Sint Servaasbrug.
Although no herrings were caught in the river Meuse, other species such as salmon and trout used to swim there in abundance. The fish was traded at the fish market, the present day Vissersmaas, while boatmen even brought in preserved and dried fish from Sweden.
Partly as a result of the liturgical fasts, fish occupied a prominent place in the diet. Those who had a good eye for it could do good business. From this point of view we may also understand the gable stone: the herrings were the crowning glory of the work of the occupant of this house. However, the crown and the number three also refer to heraldic influence.
There must also have been a crowned cod (possibly a sign?) at Grote Gracht 10.
Do you have additional information about this stone or a better suggestion for the translation? Please share it with us using the form below. We will carefully evaluate your contribution and keep you informed.
In order to make the funding of running costs possible now and in the future, please support us and register as a donor to our foundation.
Support us
