Hendrik Spetter artwork • painting • for sale The Spaansekade in Rotterdam

In this painting we look at the Haringvliet and the Spaanse Kade, the eastern quay of the Oude Haven. In the foreground the Koningsbrug, which was opened in 1860 by King Willem III. The bridge was nicknamed the Vierleeuwenbrug - because of the four lions that adorned the bridge at each corner. On the right, Spetter depicted Hotel Smits at the Oude Haven and on the left, on the corner of the Spaanse Kade and Haringvliet, Hotel Weimar is visible with the flag in top. Hotel Weimar – a luxury hotel designed by the architect of the White House, Willem Molenbroek – was opened in 1903. In the early decades of the 20th century, the hotel was popular among well-to-do gentlemen traveling alone. For example, Henry Ford took up residence there during his tour of Europe in 1930 and Prince Bernhard stayed there regularly. During the bombing of Rotterdam on 14 May 1940, the hotel was partially destroyed. After the war it was not decided to rebuild. Now Café Weimar 1890 on the Spaanse Kade only reminds of the history of the once famous hotel.