Gezicht op de veengronden bij Amstelveen 1741 - 1742

Jan Caspar Philips made this print of the Amstelveen peat bogs in the 18th century. It shows us how the Dutch landscape has been shaped by human industry. Here, the image depicts peat being harvested for fuel, an industry vital to the Dutch economy. Look at how the artist emphasizes the order of the landscape. The peat is neatly stacked and organized. The waterways provide a means of transport. The figures are orderly, too. The women on either side of the image seem to be observing the activity. This focus on order and control speaks to the Dutch Republic's values of industriousness and pragmatism. Understanding this print requires us to delve into the economic and social history of the Dutch Republic. We might look at archival records, trade statistics, and other visual sources to understand the role of the peat industry in Dutch society. Only then can we appreciate how this image reflects and shapes our understanding of Dutch history.