HORSE-DRAWN TRAMWAYS ON THE DAM SQUARE
Watercolor by Johannes Cornelis Heytze made around 1895. Signed in the bottom right “J.C. Heijtze“. Size: approx. 25.5 x 37 cm.
For centuries, the Dam square in Amsterdam has been (and still is) a lively and busy square forming the heart of the city. The square is dominated by several iconic buildings and was an important hub for traffic and activity.
Against a backdrop of the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), we see the statue known as “Naatje van de Dam“. This monument stood (until 1914) centrally on the square and was surrounded by the bustle of the horse-drawn trams that had its terminus there.
The horse-drawn tram was first introduced in 1875, replacing the omnibus. The first line ran from Leidseplein, via Weteringschans, Frederiksplein, Sarphatistraat, Weesperstraat, Nieuwe Kerkstraat to Plantage Kerklaan. It proved to be a success, and a total of 15 lines were established with 235 carriages.
Johannes Cornelis Heytze (1873-1943) was a painter and designer of earthenware decorations. This watercolour, which vividly captures the bustling Amsterdam city life of the late 19th century, was likely a design for a tile tableau.
Price: Euro 750,-
