Plattegrond van Amsterdam 1873

Albertus Braakensiek designed this print of Amsterdam, precisely etched on paper, as a proposal for horse-drawn tramways. The material itself – paper – speaks to the rise of print culture and mass communication during the industrial era. Look closely at the intricate linework. The design shows the precise hand of the draftsman, but was likely transferred to a metal plate by a trained engraver. This matrix would then be inked and printed, allowing for numerous identical copies. The proposed tramways, marked in red, reveal much about Amsterdam's urban development at the time. By the late 19th century, cities were increasingly shaped by transportation networks, connecting residential areas with centers of commerce and industry. These lines weren't just about convenience, but about capital. They influenced land value, facilitated the movement of goods, and generated employment. So, this print is more than just a map. It's a document showing the forces of urbanization and industrialization remaking Amsterdam.