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Lot Essay
Jan Abrahamsz. Beerstraaten was the most prominent member of a family of artists from Amsterdam. He was famed for his depictions of winter townscapes, which demonstrate a marked interest in the topography of mid-17th century Holland, in particular Amsterdam. He also painted southern seaports, influenced by the works of Dutch Italianate artists, and sea-battle scenes.
Dating to circa 1490, the Munttoren was originally built as the western tower of the Regulierspoort. Heavily damaged after a fire in 1618, the upper part was rebuilt to a design by Hendrick de Keyser. When, in 1672, the city of Amsterdam was given the right to strike its own coinage, the actual coins were struck in the guardhouse next to the tower, that thereby became known by its current name, which means 'Mint Tower'. The original storm-indicator was a gilt ox, so designed because the Regulierpoort used to be the gate through which cattle were driven towards the Ossenmarkt in the Kalverstraat. During a huge storm in 1640, the ox was blown into the Singel and replaced by a cockerel.
Dating to circa 1490, the Munttoren was originally built as the western tower of the Regulierspoort. Heavily damaged after a fire in 1618, the upper part was rebuilt to a design by Hendrick de Keyser. When, in 1672, the city of Amsterdam was given the right to strike its own coinage, the actual coins were struck in the guardhouse next to the tower, that thereby became known by its current name, which means 'Mint Tower'. The original storm-indicator was a gilt ox, so designed because the Regulierpoort used to be the gate through which cattle were driven towards the Ossenmarkt in the Kalverstraat. During a huge storm in 1640, the ox was blown into the Singel and replaced by a cockerel.