Neville_C wrote: This short reference to the statue's restoration in 2002 appears on the
Ons Amsterdam web page.
Ons Amsterdam, 1 May 2002
The unveiling of the restored statue "De Transvaalsche Boer" at the end of March marked the completion of the restoration of the corner house at Gasthuismolensteeg 20/Herengracht. The now colourful, narrow "tower house" was designed in 1900 as a shop and residence by Gerrit van Arkel. Above the corner entrance stands the statue of a South African Boer by Johannus Zeitz, which refers to the Boer War (1899-1902).
From the above, it can be seen that the statue by Johannus Zeitz was commissioned by Gerrit van Arkel for a new shop and residence in 1900. N. van der Dusse's cigar shop on the ground floor was called "De Transvaalsche Boer", so the statue above the door was an advertising device.
Advertising postcard: "Open This Evening". The statue can just be seen above the cigar shop door.
A number of advertisements for the cigar shop appeared in Amsterdam newspapers during 1900.
De Telegraaf (Amsterdam), 22 Nov 1900
Only a couple of years after opening, the shop is listed as being up for sale/lease.
Het Nieuws van den Dag, 20 April 1902
Cigar Shop. Due to departure, the following is offered for sale or lease: "De Transvaalsche Boer", Gasthuismolensteeg 20, corner of Heerengracht, Amsterdam.
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That's a fascinating piece of Amsterdam history! It’s interesting how the statue of the Boer was tied not just to the Boer War, but also to a local business and its branding at the time. I always find it wild how pieces of history like that are so intricately linked to the architecture and daily life of the city.
