15

Jan Abrahamsz. Beerstraten (1622-1666)
The Dam, Amsterdam, with the old town hall, in the snow. Signed JA Beerestraten.f^t. Panel, 49 × 59 cm.

Amsterdam, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, inv.nr.39 (A 2999). Purchased in 1874 from W.A. Hopman, Amsterdam.

As Albert Blankert has pointed out, Dutch paintings of old buildings were often inspired by demolition and disaster. The old town hall of Amsterdam provides evidence for both parts of his contention. The building was in the course of demolition when it was destroyed by fire. The mixture of contrary emotions can well be imagined. Depictions of the old building are distinctly rare before the 1640s, when it suddenly became the object of solicitous attention by artists. Their solicitousness increased even more after the fire. Beerstraten's evocation of the building would seem to be one of those nostalgic ones which were copied from old drawings or prints, while the town hall itself was in ashes. It shows the roof as it looked between 1615 and 1640, while the painting is probably from the 1650s.

The loss of so much money was not Hulft's only problem. In 1653 he also lost his job as town secretary following a conflict with the burgomasters. They requested him to change the wording of a resolution that had been taken by the council, which he refused to do. Again, he took to sea, this time for the Dutch East Indies, with an appointment as director-general in his pouch. However, he was unable to get on with the governor-general, who sent him on a dangerous mission to Ceylon, where he was killed.

For another of Beerstraten's many snow scenes, see cat.nr.25.

Cat. Amsterdams Historisch Museum 1975/1979, nr.39