Watercolour of the “dancing houses of Amsterdam”  the old canal houses whose facades lean and tilt so much that they look as if they are swaying in a line of dancers, especially along the Damrak and the Amstel.
 
They are 17th‑century canal houses (grachtenpanden) built during Amsterdam’s Golden Age, many on narrow plots with tall, ornate gables. Over time the houses began to lean forwards, sideways, or at slight angles, which from across the water creates the visual effect of a staggered, “dancing” façade line.
 
Interestingly Amsterdam is built on soft, marshy ground; historic houses stand on long wooden piles driven into the soil. As piles shift or settle unevenly over centuries, facades tilt and become crooked, giving the characteristic “dancing” appearance.
 
Interesting facts...
The beautiful facades with large windows is not by chance. facades had to be light so reducing wall weight was a good thing, It kept the piles steady.