Vogelvluchtgezicht op de Beurs van Hendrik de Keyser te Amsterdam, na 1668 1668 - 1720

Pieter Hendricksz. Schut made this print of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange after 1668, using etching and engraving techniques. These processes, rooted in skilled handcraft, allowed for the detailed depiction of architectural space and human activity, yet also enabled mass production. Notice how the density of lines creates depth and texture, giving the building a palpable presence. Schut’s technique reflects the era’s increasing commercial activity, mirroring the industriousness within the Exchange itself. The printmaking processes - engraving and etching - required a division of labor, aligning with the era’s expanding capitalist structures. The sharp lines used to depict the building and bustling figures denote the value of hard work, and the print’s inherent reproducibility speaks to a growing culture of consumption and the democratization of images. Ultimately, this print demonstrates how an artwork’s material and making processes are deeply interwoven with broader economic and social shifts, blurring lines between fine art and commercial production.