Nieuwezijds Achterburgwal, gezien naar Hekelveld. 1825 - 1894

This albumen print captures Amsterdam’s Nieuwezijds Achterburgwal, rendered by Benjamin Brecknell Turner. Notice the barrels lining the canal. These humble containers once held immense symbolic weight. The barrel, a vessel of transformation, echoes the alchemic tradition. Just as base metals are transmuted into gold, so too are raw materials transformed within the barrel's embrace. Think of wine maturing, beer fermenting, or grains being stored, the barrel is a symbol of potential and preservation. The presence of the barrels in this cityscape is a direct link to Amsterdam’s mercantile spirit; they have been depicted since the Hanseatic League. This image also evokes a sense of collective memory, tapping into our shared understanding of trade and commerce. It's as if the very stones of Amsterdam whisper tales of voyages, risks, and the eternal quest for prosperity. Turner's photograph reminds us that even the most mundane objects can be imbued with profound meaning, resonating through time and culture.