Gullielmo Bartolotti, a wealthy merchant, would be proud if he could see Huis Bartolotti today. This grand house stands tall on the Herengracht. It is a testament to Amsterdam’s Golden Age.
Huis Bartolotti is also known as Het Bonte Huis. This translates to “The Colorful House”. The house’s vibrant facade easily explains this nickname. Built between 1618 and 1621, Huis Bartolotti showcases Dutch Renaissance architecture. Hendrick de Keyser the Elder designed it for Willem van den Heuvel.
Willem inherited a fortune from his Italian uncle Giovanni Battista Bartolotti. As a condition, Willem had to adopt the Bartolotti name. So, he became Gullielmo Bartolotti. Huis Bartolotti became his legacy.
Look closely at the facade. Notice the red bricks adorned with mountain stone. These features are characteristic of Hendrick de Keyser’s style. Two inscriptions grace the house. “Ingenio et Assiduo Labore” translates to “by ingenuity and diligent diligence”. The other inscription is “Religione et Probitate”. This means “by religion and righteousness”. These phrases reflect Bartolotti’s values.
Huis Bartolotti is special. It is one of the few early 17th-century houses with a side house. This was a precursor to the double canal house. De Dolphijn and Huis met de Hoofden are two other examples.
The main facade spans over 16 meters. The rear facade is even wider at almost 19 meters. Urns, niches, and masks decorate the facade. These embellishments contribute to its “colorful” appearance. Some baroque elements appear in the stair gables.
Step inside Huis Bartolotti. The interiors feature a Louis XIV baroque style. Imagine lavish parties. Picture wealthy merchants discussing trade. For three generations, the Bartolotti family lived here. In 1735, the entrance was remodeled in the Louis XIV style. Architect G. Laghi may have overseen this. Further renovations occurred between 1755 and 1757.
In 1872, Petrus Henrik Holzman commissioned another remodeling. He added tapestries by Isaac de Moucheron. Ceilings by Jacob de Wit were also included.
The Vereniging Hendrick de Keyser acquired part of Huis Bartolotti in 1924. They acquired the other part in 1971. D. Verheus oversaw a restoration. Another restoration took place between 1995 and 1997. Today, Huis Bartolotti houses part of the Theater Instituut. This includes the Theatermuseum.
Take a moment to appreciate Huis Bartolotti’s unique history. It embodies Amsterdam’s rich cultural heritage. From wealthy merchants to artistic renovations, this house has witnessed centuries of change. Its colorful facade and intriguing story make it a must-see in Amsterdam.