Spiegelgracht illuminated by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

About "Spiegelgracht illuminated"

by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

About the artwork

The Spiegelgracht connects the Amsterdam Prinsengracht with the Lijnbaansgracht / Zieseniskade. On the short canal, which is part of the ring of canals, there are many small, narrow canal houses. The Spiegelgracht opposite the Rijksmuseum, together with the adjoining Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, forms the heart of the Spiegelkwartier, a neighbourhood with many antique shops and galleries.

The moat was dug in 1663 after the second phase of the construction of the ring of canals had begun in 1658. Previously, the stronghold Amstelveen, with the corn mill De Spiering, lay in front of the place where the Spiegelgracht is now located. The stronghold that stood in front of the middle of the Spiegelgracht gave the canal a special appearance. Craftsmen, such as watchmakers, chair upholsterers and plumbers, are the first to live and work here. After all, around the corner live the wealthy canal dwellers to whom they can offer their services.

The Spiegelgracht is named after the famous Spiegel family from Amsterdam. Until now, it has not been clear from the archives which descendant of this family was specifically honoured with this name. But it is plausible that the moat is primarily named after the greatest member of this family, the philosopher and thinker Hendrick Laurensz. Spiegel, also because he was the first to write a song of praise to the city of Amsterdam in the Dutch language.