Huis Kostverloren aan de Amstel 1685 - 1735

Abraham Rademaker created this drawing, Huis Kostverloren aan de Amstel, sometime between 1675 and 1735 using pen in brown and gray. Rademaker lived during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by immense economic prosperity for the Netherlands. The image presents a serene waterside view of the Kostverloren House. But beyond the calm surface, the name Kostverloren translates to "loss of expense," hinting at underlying social tensions related to wealth and value during this era. While the Dutch Golden Age signified an economic boom, it also marked a moment of questioning the ethical implications of such intense wealth accumulation. Did the pursuit of profit come at a cost to societal values? Rademaker captures not just a building but an embodiment of those tensions, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between prosperity, ethics, and the stories we tell about ourselves. The artwork serves as a reminder that progress can come at a cost, prompting us to consider what is truly worth preserving in our pursuit of advancement.