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Lot Essay
The present lot shows the Makelaers Comptoir (Guildhall of Brokers) on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal in Amsterdam. The Guildhall of Brokers was built in 1633 with a luxurious facade in Dutch Renaissance style. The upper part of the facade was replaced in the 19th century, by a simple form, as shown in Springer's compositition. During the restoration of 1937 the facade was remodelled on an old drawing and restored to its original 17th century appearance.
In 1612, the brokers guild was founded in Amsterdam. A broker was an independent trade intermediary in commodities such as coffee, tobacco and grain. The broker would close the agreement signed between buyer and seller. According to the guild rules they had to "Act in all friendship and love". The fact that they were entitled to weigh gold and silver and assess its value, shows that brokers enjoyed great confidence. Although the guild system was abolished officially during the French occupation of The Netherlands in the early 19th century, the guild system was continued in a modified form well into the 20th century.
The present mature work of Springer painted in 1883, shows his mastery in an impressive architectional composition. Although the composition at first may seem an accurate portrait, Springer has played the rules of perspective, to create an impressive image of the Makelaers Comptoir, than the rather modest building in reality. The facade on the right hand side dominates the composition and rises high up in a steep angle from the street, transforming the rather modest building into a grand symbol of Amsterdam's 17th century might. Also, this late works unmistakenly shows that Springer was in touch with the new movement in Dutch art, which would eventually lead to the Haagse School, as shown in the broadly painted sky.
In 1612, the brokers guild was founded in Amsterdam. A broker was an independent trade intermediary in commodities such as coffee, tobacco and grain. The broker would close the agreement signed between buyer and seller. According to the guild rules they had to "Act in all friendship and love". The fact that they were entitled to weigh gold and silver and assess its value, shows that brokers enjoyed great confidence. Although the guild system was abolished officially during the French occupation of The Netherlands in the early 19th century, the guild system was continued in a modified form well into the 20th century.
The present mature work of Springer painted in 1883, shows his mastery in an impressive architectional composition. Although the composition at first may seem an accurate portrait, Springer has played the rules of perspective, to create an impressive image of the Makelaers Comptoir, than the rather modest building in reality. The facade on the right hand side dominates the composition and rises high up in a steep angle from the street, transforming the rather modest building into a grand symbol of Amsterdam's 17th century might. Also, this late works unmistakenly shows that Springer was in touch with the new movement in Dutch art, which would eventually lead to the Haagse School, as shown in the broadly painted sky.