Coymanshuis, Canal house at Keizersgracht, Netherlands.
The Coymanshuis is a double-width canal house at Keizersgracht 177 in Amsterdam featuring pilaster facades and straight cornices. The building shows the generous proportions and crafted details typical of prestigious residences from this era.
The house was built in 1625 for traders Balthasar and Johannes Coymans and marked architect Jacob van Campen's first project in Amsterdam. The building launched van Campen's career as one of the Netherlands' most influential architects.
The house was home to wealthy merchants whose fortunes came from silver and iron trading. The facade reflects the taste and status of these families, who were known for collecting art and rare objects.
The house sits on a busy canal in central Amsterdam and is easy to see and photograph from the street. Access to the interior is limited as it houses the headquarters of Amnesty International, but the architecture can be appreciated from outside.
The house was featured in a 1631 publication called Architectura Moderna, where authors recommended it as an essential visit for those interested in architecture. This early recognition showed the building was seen as a model example even in its own time.
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