This characteristic corner of Amsterdam, with the new Town Hall, the New Church and the Weigh-House, was a favourite subject for painters. What is remarkable about this painting is that the New Church is shown with a spire, although the spire was never built. This church, the earliest parts of which date from the early 15th century, was damaged by fire several times. After the fire of 1645 plans were made to build a spire. But some of the burgomasters deliberately delayed construction - probably because they were afraid that a tall spire would literally and figuratively overshadow their new Town Hall. Only the base of the spire was ever built.