The architecture of the first republic in Northern Europe was marked by sobriety and restraint, and was meant to reflect democratic values by quoting extensively from classical antiquity. It found its impetus in the designs of Hendrick de Keyser, who was instrumental in establishing a Venetian-influenced style into early 17th-century architecture through new buildings like the Noorderkerk ("Northern church", 1620–1623) and Westerkerk ("Western church", 1620–1631) in Amsterdam.
The architectural style of the first republic in Northern Europe was marked by a sense of restraint and simplicity, drawing inspiration from classical antiquity to convey democratic values. This style was shaped by Hendrick de Keyser's innovative designs, which blended Venetian influences with early 17th-century architecture, as exemplified by the Noorderkerk (1620-1623) and Westerkerk (1620-1631) in Amsterdam.