A view of the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam, seen from the Oudezijds Voorburgwal

Reinier Vinkeles' artistic talents were recognized early on, and instead of being trained as a merchant (as his father initially planned), he was sent to the artist Jan Punt for drawing lessons. In 1762, aged 21, he became an independent artist and a member of the Amsterdam Stadsacademie. Vinkeles specialised in drawing city views 'naer het leven' (from life). Part of the charm of Vinkeles' townscapes lies in the staffage; here, two men are looking at the Oude Kerk (which still stands today) in admiration, a motif which also can be seen in a view of the Potasbranderij at the Anjeliersgracht, Amsterdam, a drawing in the Stadsarchief, Amsterdam, which was, like the present drawing, previously in the collection of J.H.H. Leonhardt (see Kijk Amsterdam 1700-1800. De mooiste stadsgezichten, exhib. cat., Amsterdam, Stadsarchief, 2017, no. 183, ill).