View of the Golden Bend in the Herengracht

Amsterdam’s huge population growth required it to expand in the 17th century: the city’s rings of canals were dug in phases. This is Herengracht under construction, with some plots still undeveloped. This particular section of the canal became the preserve of the very rich. They and their heirs were often mayors of the city and sat on the boards of the VOC, the WIC and the Suriname Society.