Gezicht op het Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam 1860 - 1890

This photograph captures the Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam, and the building itself serves as a symbol. Consider its imposing facade, the rigid symmetry, and the sheer scale of the construction. What we see here is not merely a hotel, but a monument to late 19th-century progress. The hotel as a 'palace for the people' draws upon the imagery of royal residences and ancient temples; yet it is open for all. But even as we marvel at the hotel's grand architecture, we must acknowledge the psychological undercurrents at play. The meticulous order and regularity of the windows suggest control and predictability. These evoke a sense of security amidst the chaos of modern life. Like the Tower of Babel, this building whispers of humanity's ambition to reach the heavens, to create a lasting testament to our existence. And, like that ancient structure, the Amstel Hotel embodies both promise and the potential for hubris.