A Reconstruction of ‘t Paradijs’ in 16th-century Amsterdam

The reconstruction of ‘t Paradijs (‘the paradise’) was a project initiated by art historian Dr. Madelon Simons between 2013 and 2014. Her main aim was to reconstruct the premises of Pompejus Occo, a wealthy merchant, banker and humanist and one of the most prominent figures of early 16thcentury Amsterdam. From textual sources, we know that Occo had a rich social and political network and hosted many events in his house. At some point, he even entertained Christian II, King of Denmark, and his retinue. The use of 3D modelling enabled researchers to re-contextualize these events and the spatial organization of daily affairs in their material settings. As an added benefit, the process of reconstruction elicited new questions and improved the researcher’s understanding of the construction and location of Occo’s house(s).

3D model of the sides of Occo’s and his neighbour’s houses

3D model of the neighbourhood around Occo’s house

3D model of the exterior of Occo’s house

3D model of Occo’s and his neighbour’s houses

3D model of the neighbourhood around Occo’s house

3D model of the comptoir inside of Occo’s house

Maquette of the interior of Pompejus Occo’s house

4D model of Occo’s house in present Kalverstraat

3D model of the façade of Occo’s house

3D model of the sides of Occo’s and his neighbour’s houses