Art is a mirror of society. Now that the period of "new-business" constructivism is over, the architects of the New Building are faced with the difficult task of giving spiritual content to the abstract work of the pioneers with new human values. According to the author, Van Ravesteyn succeeds in this. In his architecture one can see a movement that does not hark back to the past, nor look to the future full of hope, but reflects society with greater or lesser purity. Cleverly and cleanly executed, nevertheless repulsive because of its social content. It is not art that reflects the most progressive of our time, but repels by its social content. For example, by hiding the construction from view with the help of decoration and spraying wooden statues with gold, the great power and lavish luxury, but also the decline of a small elite (petty bourgeoisie) is made clear. Illustrations: interior photo commissaires hall/office building NV Brandverzekerings Maatschappij the 'Holland of 1859' Burgemeester de Raadtsingel 97 Dordrecht Van Ravestein (sic) = S. van Ravesteyn?