Haarlem School 1640s - The Grote Markt in Haarlem

Haarlem School 1640s

The Grote Markt in Haarlem

Oil on panel. 113 x 84 cm.

This very detailed view shows the market square or "Grote Markt" of Haarlem, which has remained virtually unchanged to this day. The most dominant architectural feature is the town hall, which was built on the site of a residence constructed by Count William II of Holland in 1250 and rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1351. Gillis Rombouts (1631-1672) depicted the proclamation of the Peace of Münster in 1648 in Haarlem's market square several times.

According to Fred Meijer, the present view of Haarlem's market square was painted somewhat earlier and can be dated to the 1640s. He notes that it is interesting that the town hall in this painting still shows the old Romanesque architecture in the buildings on the right, which can also be seen in a painting by Saenredam from 1630, and which was altered a little later (written communication from 19th March 2024).

Provenance

Belgian private collection.