Netherlands, The Hague, Synagogue R. Boitet, 1730, Synagoge der Portugeesche iooden

Large and beautifully engraved 18th-century view of the synagogue of The Hague on Prinsessegracht/Jan Everetstraat in The Hague.

On September 5, 1724, the Jewish community of Honendal decided to build a new synagogue. A request for permission was sent to the city council of The Hague. On November 22, 1724, the Honendal council announced to the congregation that permission had been granted. The great news was shared with the congregation on February 18, 1725: a beautiful plot of land had been found for the synagogue opposite the Koekamp (on the present-day Prinsessegracht). The design drawings were widely praised. On April 16, 1725, the foundation stones for the new synagogue were laid.

In 1726, Honendal moved to Prinsessegracht. The major celebration was on August 9, 1726, when the new synagogue on Prinsessegracht was consecrated.

It wasn't until 1743 that members of Beth Jacob's congregation also moved to Prinsessegracht. The Beth Jacob synagogue then continued under the name Honendal.

On the facade, located on a forecourt on Jan Evertstraat, above the entrance is the year 5486, the year the synagogue was officially consecrated on Shabbat evening, August 9, 1726. Below the year, in Hebrew, is the inscription "How lovely are your dwellings."

The building has twelve windows, one for each tribe of Israel, and largely retains its original interior and layout as it was in the eighteenth century.

Engraved by J. van Giessen.

The plate is from: 'Beschrijving van 's Gravenhage' (Description of The Hague), by Jacob Riemer (1676-1762), published in Delft by Reinier Boitet, 1730.

The book contains many beautiful engravings of important buildings, churches, monasteries, estates, and castles in The Hague.

The plates were engraved by Gerrit van Giesen (1692-1750), Jan Caspar Phillips (1700-1765), and F. v. Bleyswyck. Published by Reinier Boitet (1680-1750).

Very good condition, Central fold as published. Very wide margins. Clean paper.

Image 28x34cm, page 32x37,5cm