Gezicht op de Botermarkt in Amsterdam 1827 - 1875

Paulus Lauters created this print of the Botermarkt in Amsterdam, using etching and burin. The image invites us to consider the social and economic life of the city during this time. The Botermarkt, or Butter Market, was a central gathering place for trade and commerce. Through the architecture and the dress of the figures, we are transported to 19th-century Amsterdam. The print offers a glimpse into the daily routines of ordinary people and shows the significance of the market square as a place for economic exchange and social interaction. The Dutch Golden Age had long passed, and the Netherlands was now under constitutional monarchy, but the mercantile spirit lived on. For the historian, prints like these offer valuable insights into the cultural and institutional contexts that shape our understanding of art and society. By exploring archives, newspapers and other primary sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex interplay between art, commerce, and everyday life in 19th century Amsterdam.