Dakraam van een oude slagerij in Haarlem before 1880

This is a print depicting a window from an old butcher shop in Haarlem. Although the artist is unknown, it gives us a glimpse into the commercial architecture of the 17th century Netherlands. Haarlem, like other Dutch cities at the time, was experiencing a period of economic prosperity and urban growth. The architecture of commercial buildings reflected this wealth, with elaborate facades, decorative elements, and attention to detail. Here we see the window is framed by intricate carvings and sculptural details. To truly understand this image, we need to delve into the archives. Architectural plans, municipal records, and merchant inventories can help us understand the specific social and economic functions of buildings like this butcher shop. This image serves as a reminder that art, even in the form of commercial architecture, is deeply intertwined with the social and economic forces of its time.