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 characterized by simplicity and moderation, aiming to embody democratic principles through references to classical antiquity. This approach was influenced by Hendrick de Keyser's designs, which introduced a Venetian-inspired aesthetic into early 17th-century architecture, as seen in buildings such as the Noorderkerk (1620-1623) and Westerkerk (1620-1631) in Amsterdam.