Ontwerp voor de achterzijde van een boek van Johannes ter Gouw c. 1833 - 1890

Johan Coenraad Leich created this design for the back of a book by Johannes ter Gouw, using watercolor. It depicts two figures on a ship, framed by an ornate border. The ship is adorned with the flag of Amsterdam, three Saint Andrew's Crosses. The figures are dressed in what appears to be historical garb, perhaps alluding to a specific event or era in Amsterdam's history. Ter Gouw was known for his work on local history, and Leich’s design likely intended to visually connect the book with Amsterdam’s past. Consider the role of civic symbols in shaping local identity. How do images like this, reproduced on books and other media, contribute to a shared sense of history and belonging? The design, with its stylized frame, also speaks to the commercial aspects of art, connecting artistic skill to the world of publishing and the promotion of local culture. To fully appreciate this artwork, we might delve into archives and libraries to study the history of Amsterdam in the 19th century. We can also consider the role of historical societies and museums in preserving and interpreting the past for the public.