'Gouden Bocht'

The brand-new houses on Herengracht between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat were of unprecedented allure. The most expensive plots were here on the Gouden Bocht, the golden bend. In 1685 the development was all but completed. Berckheyde depicted the city palaces on a fine day, the façade on the right is bathed in sunlight. In order not to obstruct the view of these splendid houses he omitted the young trees on the waterside. But he has included the commodities on the waterfront.