Bidspirit auction | Facade of the Ashkenazi Synagogue

Facade of the Ashkenazi Synagogue in Amsterdam – “La Façade de la Sinagogue Allemande”, c. 1658 - A rare and finely detailed 17th-century engraving depicting the façade of the Ashkenazi (German) Synagogue in Amsterdam, one of the earliest visual records of Jewish life in the Netherlands. The French caption reads “La Façade de la Sinagogue Allemande” (The Façade of the German Synagogue), with “Pag. 202” indicating it was originally printed as part of a larger illustrated volume or architectural atlas. The scene shows a street and canal view—likely the Houtgracht or Leprozengracht near present-day Waterlooplein—with the synagogue and surrounding buildings, boats, and city dwellers. 📜 Details:  • Amsterdam, Netherlands, circa 1658  • Caption: La Façade de la Sinagogue Allemande – Pag. 202  • Technique: Copperplate engraving  • Print size: 13 × 10 cm  • Mounted size (with passe-partout): 19 × 18 cm  • Condition: Excellent for age, clean impression, professionally mounted on quality mat board 📖 Historical Context: The first Ashkenazi synagogue in Amsterdam was established in 1635, followed by the construction of the larger Great Synagogue in 1671 beside the Portuguese Synagogue. This engraving represents one of the earliest printed images of Jewish architecture in the Netherlands and stands as a symbol of religious tolerance and the flourishing of Jewish culture in the Dutch Golden Age.