Amsterdamse grachtenkamer
This room is from the rear annex of Matthijs and Catharina Beuning’s home at 187 Keizersgracht in Amsterdam. The Beunings were prominent members of the Moravian Church, also known as the Unity of the Brethren. This is a Protestant religious denomination based on the personal spiritual connection between the believer and Christ. The room served as a gathering place for the Moravian congregation in Amsterdam, in which Catherina held an important position. The chimneypiece depicts the biblical story of the chamberlain’s conversion and baptism. The mirrors and stucco ceiling also incorporate elements of Christian significance. Although the Moravians advocated austerity, no expense was spared. The room is adorned in Rococo style, with precious tropical mahogany wall panelling, a great rarity around 1745. The painting above the door was added later. Although the house was demolished in 1896, this room was preserved.