Gezicht op Edam c. 1757

This is an anonymous rendering of Edam in the Netherlands, rendered in pen and watercolor. Likely created by a local artist, this piece comes to us from a time of great social, political, and economic change in the Netherlands, a period when it was transitioning from a maritime power to the country we know today. Notice the artist’s use of light and shadow to convey a sense of depth and atmosphere. It gives a sense of peace and tranquility, but the fortifications remind us of the ever-present threat of invasion during this period. What did it mean to be Dutch at this time? What aspects of national identity might be represented here? Consider how the scene invites us to reflect on the relationship between the individual and the community. Does this image evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, or does it offer a glimpse into the enduring spirit of Edam?